Danica Patrick is no stranger to controversy, but her latest remarks have sent a thunderclap through the Formula 1 world. In a bold interview, she openly questioned Ferrari’s high-profile signing of Lewis Hamilton while suggesting their real ambition still revolves around Max Verstappen. Her words weren’t just critical—they were surgical, deliberate, and impossible to ignore.

“I think Ferrari’s decision to take Lewis was a masterstroke,” she said, “but of course, they would have preferred Max.” Patrick’s tone was sharp, her delivery cold, and her message crystal clear: Ferrari may be smiling in public, but behind closed doors, their eyes are still on Red Bull’s reigning champion. Her follow-up was even more incendiary: “Ferrari can only become World Champions with Max.”

The quote immediately went viral, sparking debates among fans, journalists, and even former drivers. Some praised her candor, while others called it disrespectful toward Hamilton, a seven-time world champion. But the underlying question remained: Does Danica know something the public doesn’t?

Her remarks raise deeper questions about the state of Ferrari’s ambitions—and what they truly believe about their current driver lineup. Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in 2025 has been painted as a new era, a dream pairing between two historic names. But Patrick’s words suggest Ferrari may already doubt whether that dream can deliver reality.

There’s also the not-so-subtle implication that Max Verstappen holds the keys to Ferrari’s redemption, even if he’s locked inside Red Bull’s empire. With Verstappen’s dominance showing no signs of fading, some insiders believe Ferrari’s true endgame may still involve luring the Dutchman—at any cost. Danica’s statement could be fueling that very speculation.

In the chessboard of Formula 1 politics, words from prominent figures often serve as calculated moves. 

Patrick isn’t just a commentator—she’s a former racer with access to paddock whispers and personal networks. Her claim could either be an honest opinion… or part of a larger psychological play designed to stir tension between Red Bull and Ferrari.

Hamilton himself has remained silent on the comments, but fans were quick to defend him across social media. “He’s won seven titles. He doesn’t need to prove anything to Danica,” one fan wrote. Still, even his fiercest supporters are now asking: what if Patrick’s right?

Ferrari, for its part, has not issued a response—nor is one expected. The team is likely to avoid inflaming the situation, especially as they prepare to integrate Hamilton into the Scuderia. But behind the scenes, there may be concern that Danica’s words have peeled back the polished surface of an already fragile alliance.

Is this the beginning of a deeper rivalry between Red Bull and Ferrari—not just over performance, but over identity, ambition, and star power? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: Danica Patrick has thrown the first punch in what could be F1’s next great narrative.