Former Red Bull Chief Reflects on Epic Verstappen vs. Hamilton Battle

Max Verstappen celebrated his 200th race with Red Bull Racing at the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix. Former Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, now team principal at Stake F1, shared insights on Verstappen’s milestone moments, including his iconic rivalry with Lewis Hamilton. This article explores Wheatley’s reflections on Verstappen’s journey and the dramatic Verstappen-Hamilton clash in Hungary. Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Verstappen, with Red Bull since the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, has secured 117 podiums in 200 races, including 61 wins. Wheatley, who worked with Max’s father, Jos Verstappen, at Benetton in 1994, recalled Max’s stunning debut win in Barcelona 2016. “Max won immediately on his Red Bull debut. It was a full-circle moment,” Wheatley told De Telegraaf. “It marked the start of a fairy tale.”

Wheatley praised Verstappen’s ability to absorb advice. “Whatever you told Max, he listened and retained it. Driving seemed effortless for him,” he said. Memorable moments include Spain 2016, the dramatic Brazil 2016 race, and a double pit stop strategy in Austria 2018, where Verstappen won, and Wheatley stood on the podium in lederhosen before Dutch fans.

The 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix saw a controversial clash between Verstappen and Hamilton. Starting P8, Verstappen made an aggressive move on Hamilton (P12) at Turn 4 on lap 29, forcing Hamilton off the track to avoid contact. Red Bull posted on social media, “Max scares Lewis off the road at Turn 4!” despite no physical contact. The incident prompted a steward investigation, but Verstappen was cleared as Hamilton chose to run off track, per the FIA’s official document.

Verstappen finished P9, while Hamilton ended P12, marking a tough weekend for both. Verstappen called the FIA probe “difficult to understand” due to no contact. Hamilton, who labeled himself “useless” after qualifying, skipped the stewards’ hearing, suggesting he didn’t view the incident as significant.

Wheatley highlighted the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Verstappen clinched his first world title in a controversial final lap, overtaking Hamilton. “The emotion when Max crossed the line was indescribable. It still gives me goosebumps,” Wheatley recalled. Mercedes lodged two protests, but Wheatley defended Red Bull in the stewards’ hearing. “They brought a lawyer, but we were vindicated, and the team celebrated,” he added.

Wheatley, who joined Red Bull in 2006, contributed to six constructors’ titles and a record 1.82-second pit stop in Brazil 2019. He left in 2024 to lead Sauber, set to become Audi F1 in 2026. At Sauber, he guided Nico Hulkenberg to a first podium at Silverstone 2025. Wheatley called the Audi project “an exciting new journey.”

The Verstappen-Hamilton rivalry continues to captivate fans, despite both struggling in 2025. With McLaren dominating and Oscar Piastri leading the championship, Red Bull and Ferrari must improve. Verstappen is optimistic for Zandvoort, a track suiting Red Bull. What’s your take on this rivalry and their future? Comment below!