Max Verstappen will probably go down in history as the most dominant driver to ever race in Formula 1. After his epic battle with Lewis Hamilton in 2021, where he came out victorious to claim his first driver’s championship with Red Bull, he never really looked back. The 2023 season stands as a testament to his might, securing 19 wins out of 22 races with a win percentage of 86, beating the previous benchmark of 75% set by Alberto Ascari in 1952. However, in the eyes of ex-Mercedes boss, Norbert Haug, Lewis Hamilton remains the “only superstar” in the sport.

Hamilton has been associated with Mercedes for 26 long years, with 12 seasons spent driving directly for the Mercedes Formula 1 team. However, after spending all of his F1 career with Mercedes-powered cars, the 7-time world champion has finally decided to switch to Ferrari in 2025. And like so many others, Norbert Haug also didn’t see this move coming. Although he remains extremely close to Hamilton, having worked with him for over a decade.

Norbert Haug thinks there’s more to being a Formula 1 driver than just being fast

While the debate between the fans of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton to decide who’s the best driver seems like a never-ending ordeal, there’s no denying the fact that Hamilton has achieved so many things off the track as he has achieved on it. He has always been one to speak his mind on the major issues that are plaguing our society. He has been a huge promoter of diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunity not only in Formula 1 but in life in general.

His Mission 44 foundation, which supports organizations and other bodies that look after the future of the underprivileged, is living proof of how much he cares about his cause. He has gone as far as to say that he finds his true sense of purpose in having a positive impact on society much more than winning F1 championships. And this is something, in Norbert Haug’s mind, that makes him the true superstar. He recently gave his statement to Motorsport Magazin.com about the 39-year-old’s departure from Mercedes.

When asked if Mercedes has much more to lose than just a top driver, Haug said, “I think so, yes. But it’s probably unavoidable. He’s perfect for me. I mean, what signs has he made in Formula 1? Why do they say Formula 1 has a single superstar? Of course, Verstappen is the fastest, he matures. But all the statements that Lewis makes, his performances, his occupation off the track, his fight for equal treatment – both of genders and colors. That’s quite remarkable.“

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Haug also expressed his thoughts on what is possible for Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari.

Haug believes Charles Leclerc won’t be superior to Lewis Hamilton in 2025

Speaking on how he felt when he heard the news of Hamilton going to Ferrari, Haug said that he was completely taken aback, suggesting that he thought the partnership between Hamilton and Mercedes would last an eternity (which we all thought, to be really honest here). “If there was one combination in Formula 1 that I would have bet on lasting for eternity, it would have been Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes. I would have sworn any oath that it would remain so forever. And that afterward he would remain with the star as a brand ambassador or whatever,” said Haug.

Speaking on what Hamilton will be able to achieve at Ferrari, Haug believes that anything is possible. He dismissed the notion of Charles Leclerc being superior to Hamilton and expressed his confidence in Hamilton being at his fittest, despite his age. “It takes a lot more effort at 40 than at 20. But they [Formula 1] have many drivers who are physically fitter at 30 than at 20 because they recognize the need and because they know how to feed themselves.”

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Do you agree with Haug’s assessment of the dynamic between Leclerc and Hamilton? Share your insights down below in the comments.