Lewis Hamilton believes that it “wouldn’t make sense” for Max Verstappen to switch from the reigning Formula 1 champions Red Bull to Mercedes for 2025.
Hamilton has elected to end his long-serving association with Mercedes to pursue a new chapter in his career with Ferrari from the beginning of next season.
Many names have been lined up to replace him, but recent developments away from the track have witnessed even Verstappen’s name being thrown into the mix.
Red Bull has been the subject of an apparent power struggle in recent weeks following the conclusion of an investigation into allegations against Christian Horner.
Although the Briton was cleared of alleged inappropriate behaviour towards a colleague, Verstappen’s father Jos suggested that Horner’s place was untenable.
Jos was pictured in conversation with Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff in the Bahrain Grand Prix paddock and the pair reportedly dined together at the Four Seasons Hotel in Manama, fuelling speculation that Max could be making an astonishing switch next season.
But what does Hamilton think of Mercedes targeting his former championship rival?
“I wouldn’t say I’m surprised,” he replied.
“Because he’s a great driver and we spoke back then [Abu Dhabi, 2021]. I think Max in that moment did what he had to do, there was nothing on him, it was the sport that let us down.
“I think that wasn’t his fault. Me in his position, I would have done exactly the same thing, so there’s no issue there.
“But I think if you run a team, you want to have the best driver in, you want, as a team, the driver that brings in the eyeballs, brings in the sponsorships and he is one of those, so I understand it.
“It wouldn’t make sense for him, but it will be interesting to see.”
It wouldn’t make sense most likely due to the form exhibited by the two teams involved in the conversation, with Mercedes landing one win in the last two seasons.
Meanwhile, Verstappen is contracted through 2028 with Red Bull, the dominant force in F1 during this current cycle and one that has nurtured him through his F1 career.
Still, prior to signing to the Red Bull programme ahead of his 2015 F1 debut with Toro Rosso, Mercedes had coveted Verstappen’s signature.
However, the German marque had no seats due to employing Hamilton and eventual 2016 Drivers’ champion Nico Rosberg, who retired at the end of that season.
The Dutchman has clarified that his “intention” is “absolutely to stay” with Red Bull and not pursue a potential move to partner George Russell at Mercedes.
“I really enjoy it,” Verstappen said. “I’m also really happy within the team, and yeah, as long as we perform, there is no reason also to leave.”
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