This week, Lewis Hamilton started a new chapter in his Formula 1 career, making his debut as a Ferrari driver at the Fiorano test track.

The seven-time world champion completed 30 laps in the team’s SF-23 car, with many Tifosi fans, media, and photographers watching from the sidelines, with many expeciting him to bring success to Ferrari and win his eight title with the team.

However, not everyone believes Hamilton’s move will be that big of a success, with Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko questioning whether the Briton or his new Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc can challenge Max Verstappen.

“Charles Leclerc is good at qualifying, but makes too many mistakes in the race,” Marko told Sport Bild. 

“Lewis Hamilton still has the speed, but also over a whole season? I doubt that. 

“Even if he has a fast Ferrari and we only build a mediocre Red Bull for Max Verstappen, I would still put my money on Max.”

Verstappen’s future with Red Bull has also been a topic of discussion, especially with Mercedes and Aston Martin showing interest. But Marko is confident Verstappen will stay.

“[Mercedes' interest] is nice and all, but Max has a contract until the end of 2028. I know how loyal and grateful he is towards Red Bull,” he said and even predicted that Verstappen would still be with the team in 2026 and could become a five-time world champion by then.

His fourth and for now last title came at the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix, continuing his dominance since beating Hamilton for his first championship in 2021. But McLaren’s strong performance during the season saw Lando Norris close in, making Verstappen worry he might lose the crown.

Even with a late push, Red Bull’s RB20 couldn’t match McLaren’s MCL38, with Marko now admitting that the team needs to improve to keep Verstappen on top.

“Max is not only the fastest, but the best in Formula 1 from the overall package,” he said.

“He gets 0.1 to 0.2 seconds out of the car per lap that no other driver finds.

“Now it’s up to us to build him a car that lets him not only temporarily, but constantly drive for victories.

“Our working window has to get bigger.”