Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has shared his thoughts on Lewis Hamilton’s bold stance against pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently threatened to roll back diversity and inclusion initiatives—efforts Hamilton has championed throughout his career. The seven-time champion, now gearing up for his Ferrari debut, made headlines with a direct response to Trump’s executive orders, and Verstappen, his long-time rival, didn’t hold back in offering his perspective on the escalating drama.
Hamilton, a vocal advocate for equality in F1, has faced pushback following Trump’s moves to dismantle Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in American businesses. As the founder of the Mission 44 charity and a driving force behind F1’s diversity charter—signed by all teams in November 2024—the Brit has transformed the sport, notably influencing Mercedes to adopt a black livery in 2020 after George Floyd’s murder. However, Trump’s policies could complicate Hamilton’s efforts, especially as he prepares to join Ferrari, a team less advanced in diversity compared to his former squad.
In an interview with TIME magazine, Hamilton stood firm, declaring, “There’s going to be forces along the way that don’t want that, for whatever reason I can’t fathom. That doesn’t stop me. It is a fight that we’ll just keep fighting.” His resolve has sparked widespread discussion, particularly as he braces for a fresh start in Italy, where he acknowledged the potential for racist abuse but dismissed it as a minor hurdle: “I don’t think that it’s going to be a problem.”
Enter Max Verstappen, the Red Bull star who’s clashed with Hamilton on and off the track. Speaking at a promotional event in Monaco, Verstappen offered a candid take on Hamilton’s defiance. “Lewis is always going to do what Lewis wants to do—he’s stub𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 like that,” Verstappen said. “I respect that he’s fighting for what he believes in, even if it’s against someone like Trump. But let’s be honest, it’s not like he’s going to change the world overnight. He’s just one guy, and this is bigger than F1.”
Verstappen’s comments reflect a mix of admiration and pragmatism, acknowledging Hamilton’s tenacity while questioning the scope of his influence. The Dutchman, who has largely stayed out of political debates during his own reign at the top, added, “For me, I focus on racing. If Lewis wants to take on presidents, that’s his battle. I’d rather keep my head down and win titles.”
The contrast between the two couldn’t be starker. While Hamilton has used his platform to push for systemic change—evidenced by milestones like Stephanie Travers becoming the first Black woman on an F1 podium in 2020—Verstappen has kept his career laser-focused on performance. Yet, their rivalry adds an extra layer of intrigue to Hamilton’s latest stand. Fans on social media leapt into the fray, with one tweeting, “Max throwing shade but he’s not wrong—Lewis is out here fighting wars while Max just drives in circles.”
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari marks a new chapter, but it’s not without challenges. Reflecting on leaving Mercedes, he told TIME, “I’ve finally got a more diverse working environment that we’ve built over time. Now I’m going back to the beginning of my time with Mercedes, where it wasn’t diverse.” The task of reshaping Ferrari’s culture looms large, compounded by Trump’s policies potentially affecting F1’s U.S.-based operations and sponsors.
As Hamilton prepares to face these hurdles—both political and personal—Verstappen’s reaction underscores their differing approaches to the sport’s broader issues. Will Hamilton’s fight against Trump’s agenda inspire change, or will it, as Verstappen suggests, be a uphill battle with limited impact? With the 2025 season on the horizon, the clash of ideals between these two titans is set to captivate the F1 world just as much as their on-track duels.
