The Formula 1 world is abuzz with speculation following recent developments surrounding two of the sport’s biggest stars: Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. On May 9, 2025, Verstappen, under the alias “Franz Hermann,” turned up at a secret test session at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, driving a Ferrari 296 GT3 for Emil Frey Racing. This marked his second Ferrari test in a short space of time, fueling rumours of a potential move to the iconic Italian team. Meanwhile, Hamilton, who joined Ferrari in early 2025, has been in a “strained” relationship with the team following frustrations at the Miami Grand Prix. The events have fueled speculation of transfers and even retirement for both drivers, with insiders weighing in on the situation.
Verstappen’s Ferrari test, part of his preparations for the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS), was initially kept quiet. According to Auto Motor und Sport , the Dutchman wanted to drive in peace, with his own security and a ban on photographers in the garage. Despite these precautions, he was recognized by his helmet and racing suit, and later confirmed the test himself on social media, where he shared his enthusiasm for the Nürburgring and GT3 racing. Verstappen, owner of Verstappen.com Racing, has a growing passion for endurance racing and is aiming to compete in the 24-hour race on the Nordschleife. However, his test with the Ferrari 296 GT3, dressed in his team colors, was cut short due to technical issues, as reported by GPFans . Nevertheless, his repeated appearance in a Ferrari has fueled speculation of a future switch, especially given Red Bull’s struggles with the RB21 in 2025, where Verstappen has taken just one win in six races.
While Verstappen flirts with Ferrari, Hamilton is facing challenges at the same team. During the Miami Grand Prix, the seven-time world champion openly expressed his frustration with Ferrari’s strategy, particularly team orders that prevented him from getting past Charles Leclerc more quickly. His sarcastic radio message, in which he called on the team to “take a tea break,” was widely reported, with Sky Sports F1 analyst Martin Brundle warning that such outbursts could further strain the relationship with Ferrari. Italian media such as Gazzetta have reported “deep cracks” in Hamilton’s marriage to Ferrari, with his adaptation to the car proving difficult. Ferrari are only fourth in the constructors’ championship, 152 points behind leaders McLaren, and Hamilton’s P12 in qualifying in Miami underlined the problems. Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher even suggested that Hamilton, who is struggling to match Leclerc, may retire after one season if the situation does not improve.
Insiders have mixed reactions. McLaren CEO Zak Brown revealed he spoke to Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, in the winter of 2024 about the latter’s contract, suggesting interest from other teams in the Dutchman. Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur downplayed Hamilton’s radio criticism, insisting the team was working on solutions internally, but Gazzetta hinted at a complex dynamic with Leclerc as Ferrari’s future and Hamilton a marketing asset grappling with reality. Over on X, fans are speculating about a sensational driver swap, with Verstappen going to Ferrari and Hamilton potentially retiring early, despite both teams being contractually bound—Verstappen at Red Bull until 2028 and Hamilton at Ferrari until 2026.
The rivalry between Verstappen and Hamilton, which culminated in a controversial championship in 2021, is taking on a new dimension. Verstappen’s GT3 testing suggests he is taking a broad view of his future in motorsport, possibly with an eye on endurance racing after his F1 career. Hamilton, on the other hand, faces a crucial juncture in his bid to save his Ferrari dream. With the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix approaching, a home race for Ferrari, the pressure on both drivers and their teams will be immense. The question for fans remains: will Verstappen ever step into a Ferrari F1 car, and can Hamilton silence his critics? The answers lie in the coming races, but the speculation is unlikely to die down any time soon.
