Many believed that Lewis Hamilton made the wrong decision by moving away from Mercedes and joining Ferrari, as the new engine regulations are coming in for 2026. However, as the 2024 season progresses, it feels that the 7X champ made the right choice, and the Silver Arrows’ struggles don’t seem to end. Hamilton was left frustrated after the Sprint qualifying in Miami, and Max Verstappen’s post-race radio just piled on his misery.

Lewis Hamilton scored a brilliant P2 at the Chinese GP sprint but was then eliminated in Q1 of the qualifying. He complained throughout the race and only managed to finish P9. And as Formula 1 reaches the Miami GP, his miseries continue. Mercedes brought upgrades to the car for the race, but they didn’t seem to work as both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell were eliminated in SQ2 and had a similar pace to Esteban Ocon’s Alpine.

The Brit was seen throwing his hands in frustration after he got out of the car, and on the radio, he was heard saying, “I got nothing man”. On the contrary, Max Verstappen, who seemingly did not have the best lap in SQ3 still managed to take the pole and came out with a salty statement for the rest of the grid. He said, “Lol. Look what happened to the others. This is Terrible.” His engineer GP replied, “Slightly worse changes than you maybe.”

Verstappen took the pole without even trying or setting his best lap, whereas his arch-rival Lewis Hamilton, despite trying his best, wasn’t able to get out of SQ2. While it is not sure who Max Verstappen is referring to by “what happened to others,” we can be sure that Lewis Hamilton is definitely among the drivers that he’s slamming. At this point, F1 looks like a video game for the Dutchman.

And if that wasn’t bad enough for Lewis Hamilton, he was also noted for a pitlane infringement during the SQ2 session, and stewards had noted it down. Let’s see what the FIA makes of it. Regardless, the defending champion might get a taste of his own medicine as he is rumored to join Mercedes for the 2025 season. But Max, being Max, can also turn around the tables, even at Mercedes. The Dutchman, however, suggests that he will stay with Red Bull.

Max Verstappen’s comment on the rumored $160 million Mercedes offer

Toto Wolff is reported to be aggressively pursuing Max Verstappen to join Mercedes. The Mercedes CEO is even rumored to have made the Dutchman a $160 million offer, along with an ambassadorial role and the option to bring in Helmut Marko. Verstappen is rumored to have a meeting set up with Toto Wolff and other Mercedes share holders after the Miami GP. However, Toto Wolff has denied these rumors, suggesting that people will say anything during such times.

Adrian Newey recently announced his exit from the team, and many believe that Verstappen will soon follow him to leave Red Bull. Nonetheless, the 3X champ, speaking at the Miami GP, suggested that the money does not lure him and that he will stay with Red Bull as they have the fastest car. He said, “It’s not about the money for me. As long as we have the quickest car, then it’s quite straightforward for me.” He then added that it’s also important for the environment to be right.

What do you think? Will Max Verstappen stay at Red Bull or make a move away from the team?