Ex-FIA Steward Shuts Door on Max Verstappen to Replace Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari

Johnny Herbert weighed in on Max Verstappen's potential move to Ferrari to replace Lewis Hamilton in the near future.

Ex-FIA Steward Shuts Door on Max Verstappen to Replace Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari

Max Verstappen (via Red Bull), Lewis Hamilton (via Getty)

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Lewis Hamilton has faced a very challenging time in his debut season with Ferrari. The Briton hoped to contend for both championships with the Italian constructor, but is unable to achieve even a podium finish in the first 12 races. Amidst Hamilton’s trying times, bizarre rumors came up that Max Verstappen could make a bombshell move to Maranello and replace the 40-year-old. However, snubbed FIA steward Johnny Herbert has declared that this wouldn’t be possible.

Lewis Hamilton‘s current contract at Ferrari is good atleast until the end of the 2026 season. The Briton has assured that he is in the team for the long run and wants to win a drivers’ title with Maranello. However, Max Verstappen and his own issues at Red Bull could mean that he would look for a switch in teams by the coming season. As such, the Italian constructor might have to then decide between the seven-time champion and Verstappen.

Although no rumors are suggesting that this situation is possible, it would be interesting to see how it plays out if there is any truth to it. Johnny Herbert has spoken candidly on the situation and revealed what is likely going to happen. Herbert pointed out that he did not believe in the claims that Max Verstappen would arrive at Ferrari and replace Lewis Hamilton.

I don’t think Verstappen would arrive.

Johnny Herbert told a betting site

Johnny Herbert guessed about who could replace Lewis Hamilton if he were to retire from the team anytime soon. Herbert reckoned that Maranello could bet on a younger driver to fill in the empty shoes of Hamilton. Moreover, Carlos Sainz could also return to the Italian constructor as he would always be readily available to join his old team back in Formula 1.

I think Ferrari could bet on a young man or that Sainz could return since I read that he would always answer yes to a call from Ferrari.

Johnny Herbert added

F1 insider pinpoints Max Verstappen’s advantage against Lewis Hamilton

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have been great rivals for a very long time; the rivalry strengthened further after the former’s controversial 2021 drivers’ title win. Now, both drivers have achieved a lot of things in the sport and aren’t giving problems to one on the track. Still, people like to compare the once arch-nemesis in the pinnacle of motorsport. Amongst the many, credible F1 insider Peter Windsor has compared Verstappen and Hamilton, and revealed where the Red Bull star is better.

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen (via Getty)
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen (via Getty)

Peter Windsor recalled that Lewis Hamilton did not have a bad car in any category, atleast until the 2022 season. After facing problems in the car, he was unable to perform up to the mark. On the contrary, Max Verstappen had a couple of years in a bad car, but he still drove ‘beautifully’ and finished in the top five. As such, this made Verstappen’s ability to perform well even in a mediocre car set him apart from his rivals, especially Hamilton.

I don’t think Lewis really had a bad car in any category in Formula One until 2022. Max had a year or two when the car wasn’t capable of winning Grand Prix in Red Bull, engine-wise, and would often be driving beautiful races to finish fourth or fifth. That’s one of the reasons he is so good, because he does know what it’s like to drive a car that is quite difficult.

Peter Windsor said on his YouTube livestream, @peterwindsor

The 2025 season has been extremely challenging for Max Verstappen, even though he has won two races so far. The Dutchman seems nowhere in the battle for the drivers’ title as the teams head into the latter half of the year. Lewis Hamilton is struggling a lot as well, but he is unable to live up to Verstappen and his standards in terms of racing.

Read More: “No Orders,” Lewis Hamilton Clarifies on Sending Documents to Ferrari over 2025 Struggles