Max Verstappen backs Lewis Hamilton despite struggles

Red Bull's Max Verstappen comes out in support of Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, saying “it hurts my heart” to see the F1 struggles of the seven-time world champion this season.

Hamilton finished sixth behind Ferrari’s teammate Charles Leclerc in the F1 drivers' standings this season, with McLaren’s Lando Norris winning the championship while Verstappen was just two points behind the winner.

Hamilton failed to finish on the podium for the first time in his career, in his maiden season with Ferrari.

The Briton rounded out the campaign with three consecutive Q1 exits, after this season’s results led some to suggest the 40-year-old retire.

However, Verstappen, his F1 rival, doesn’t think this way, saying it hurts his heart to see Hamilton’s struggles at Ferrari.

"It hasn't been a nice season for him at Ferrari, you notice that with everything,” Verstappen said during an interview with Viaplay.

"To be honest, it hurts my heart as well. It’s not nice to see.

"So quitting? I don't know, he doesn't give up so he'll definitely be there [next year] but it's not nice to see.’’

Hamilton himself also believes that he still has the spark in him and will continue to chase his “dream” of winning a record eighth world title and restoring Ferrari to their former golden days.

Asked how he would silence his naysayers following the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Hamilton replied: “I wouldn't say anything to them. None of them have done what I've done, so they're not even on my level.”

He added that he is in the sport because he still loves racing and still has a dream.

“It's the love for what you do, it's the love for racing,” he added.

“I've got amazing support from people around me, my fans. It's that constant keeping an eye on the dream. I still have a dream that I hold hope in my heart for and that's what I work towards.”