Christian Horner Predicts Hamilton Will Challenge Verstappen Next Season

Christian Horner expressed confidence that Lewis Hamilton will be a contender for the Formula One title when he joins Ferrari next year. Despite Hamilton's struggles at Mercedes over the past three years and the dominance of Max Verstappen in the sport, Horner emphasized Hamilton's quality as a driver. He acknowledged that some in the sport may underestimate Hamilton, as he has won only two races since missing out on his eighth championship three years ago. Horner commented on the dynamics at play with Hamilton leaving a familiar environment at Mercedes to move to Ferrari, where the team expects to benefit from his experience and skill. He pointed out that while Hamilton might be at a different stage in his career, he could still bring value to Ferrari if he finds the right synergies within the team. The shift to Ferrari is seen as a significant change for Hamilton, who will replace Carlos Sainz Jr. next season. Though excited about Hamilton's potential, Horner did express concerns regarding Hamilton's age and physical capabilities in the sport. He noted that as drivers age, they may lose pure speed despite gaining experience and racecraft. This raises questions about Hamilton's long-term performance as he transitions to Ferrari, especially in an era dominated by younger and possibly faster competitors. Overall, the upcoming season promises to be intriguing as Hamilton steps into a new chapter of his career with Ferrari and the prospect of renewed rivalry with Verstappen.