Lewis Hamilton has set his sights on finally winning at Zandvoort as Formula 1 prepares for the Dutch Grand Prix, one of the few races on the calendar where the seven-time world champion has never taken victory. The Ferrari driver also offered his first reaction to Max Verstappen’s new Red Bull agreement, which commits the Dutchman to the team until 2030.
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen share one of Formula 1’s most intense modern rivalries, forged during their dramatic battle for the 2021 World Championship. That season featured several tense moments before the title was ultimately decided in controversial circumstances, and their history has continued to add another dimension whenever the two drivers meet closely on track.
Lewis Hamilton reacts to Max Verstappen’s Red Bull contract
Asked for his reaction to Max Verstappen extending his stay with Red Bull, Lewis Hamilton made it clear that the news had not occupied much of his attention.
“I haven’t really thought about it, so no. Not really,” Lewis Hamilton said.
When asked whether Max Verstappen’s long-term commitment was positive for Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton replied: “Well, I don’t know, maybe. Why wouldn’t it be?”
The agreement means Max Verstappen will continue with the team where he has spent the vast majority of his Formula 1 career. For Lewis Hamilton, however, choosing to remain with one team rather than proving oneself elsewhere does not fundamentally alter how a driver’s achievements should be judged.
Hamilton on whether a champion needs to win with different teams
When the suggestion was put to him that, according to a more traditional view, a true World Champion should prove himself with at least two different teams, Lewis Hamilton was more expansive.
“I don’t necessarily have an opinion on that. I don’t know if it makes a huge difference. I think he’s in a great team. He’s been with them for such a long time and they continue to get stronger and stronger. It’s clearly an amazing place to be and to work.”
Lewis Hamilton also pointed out that changing teams can work very differently depending on the circumstances.
“So if you look at the history of drivers moving, there are some who have moved a crazy number of times, and sometimes it’s positive, sometimes it’s negative. But obviously these things are about staying where you feel comfortable, and it’s his choice, and it’s not a bad choice.”
Lewis Hamilton understands that decision from personal experience after making his own major career move to Maranello. His adaptation has continued throughout 2026, with the Ferrari driver recently explaining how changes at Ferrari helped unlock his stronger form this season.
Lewis Hamilton targets his first Zandvoort victory
The more immediate priority for Lewis Hamilton is the Dutch Grand Prix itself. Zandvoort is one of the few Formula 1 circuits from his long career where he has competed but never won, and with the Dutch race set to disappear from the calendar from 2027, this weekend represents a final opportunity to add the circuit to his remarkable list of victories.
“I’ve won at practically every other track, but I don’t think – I don’t remember if I’ve already won the Dutch Grand Prix – so I definitely want to change that situation,” Lewis Hamilton said. “I’m enormously motivated.”
The challenge comes at one of Formula 1’s most distinctive venues, where the home support for Max Verstappen has become a defining feature of the weekend. Fans can follow all the latest developments through our dedicated 2026 Dutch Grand Prix coverage.
Lewis Hamilton has enormous respect for the circuit and the atmosphere created by the Dutch fans, even though that support is naturally centred on his long-time rival.
“It’s just an incredible circuit. An amazing crowd. It’s very special, particularly for Max, who comes here and gets incredible support throughout the weekend, but they really create the atmosphere.”
Zandvoort remains unfinished business for Lewis Hamilton
For Lewis Hamilton, the motivation is therefore about more than simply adding another strong result. Zandvoort remains a rare gap on his list of Formula 1 circuit victories, and the final Dutch Grand Prix gives him one last opportunity to change that.
“It’s a track that I haven’t really conquered yet, I would say, in F1. So it’s definitely something that I want to try to do this weekend.”
Lewis Hamilton arrives at Zandvoort determined to turn that ambition into a victory while Ferrari begins another important weekend in the second half of the 2026 season. The latest interviews, race developments and updates on the seven-time World Champion are also available in our dedicated Lewis Hamilton Ferrari news section.
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