Lewis Hamilton says he would advocate Mercedes to Max Verstappen and that he would haven’t any “problem” along with his as soon as fierce rival becoming a member of his former squad.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has, not less than intermittently, been making an attempt to signal Verstappen from Crimson Bull because it was confirmed in February 2024 that Hamilton was leaving the Silver Arrows to affix Ferrari for this 12 months.
Wolff failed along with his makes an attempt to land Verstappen for 2025 however there was renewed hypothesis over latest weeks that the Dutchman, who has received the final 4 world championships, may be part of Mercedes in 2026.
Verstappen controversially beat Hamilton to the 2021 drivers’ title as extremely questionable officiating of the decisive season finale in Abu Dhabi left the Brit questioning his future within the sport.
Requested on the British Grand Prix in regards to the prospect of Verstappen becoming a member of Mercedes, Hamilton mentioned: “Max didn’t do anything. He did what he needed to do in terms of winning, so I don’t think it would be a problem.”
The seven-time world champion mentioned he would advocate his former crew to Verstappen, but in addition took the chance to reward Crimson Bull.
Hamilton mentioned: “In fact (I’d advocate Mercedes).
“He is coming from a terrific crew. Many, a few years in the past I used to be being requested one thing about… I feel I used to be simply so diehard Mercedes on the time, and I keep in mind saying one thing about Crimson Bull being solely a drinks firm.
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Amid recent rumours from Sky Italy that Max Verstappen is in talks with Mercedes, Sky Sports activities’ Martin Brundle provides his opinion on the potential transfer.
“And I’ve always regretted it because I was just saying that Mercedes at the time were great, I was really just trying to gee up my team.
“However the reality is, Crimson Bull have been an unbelievable crew. There are such a lot of individuals there who’re distinctive. They’ve dominated for years.
“But what I can say is, if anyone was going to ask me about Mercedes, it’s an amazing team also with naturally the passion, they’ve got great personnel, it’s a great factory, a great environment to work in.
“So, in fact I’d (advocate it). I am to see what occurs.”
‘Max will probably be targeted on the engine’
A key consider Verstappen probably becoming a member of Mercedes can be the expectation within the paddock that they’re prone to produce the perfect engine underneath vastly totally different new laws being launched for 2026.
His Crimson Bull squad will probably be producing their very own engine for the primary time in 2026, with rumours suggesting they’re behind the likes of Mercedes when it comes to improvement.
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Max Verstappen responds to the elevated hypothesis a couple of potential transfer to Mercedes.
Requested what would dictate Verstappen’s determination if he had been to maneuver, Hamilton mentioned: “He will be looking at the engine.
“Mercedes will construct an incredible engine subsequent 12 months as a result of that is what they’re significantly sturdy at constructing. That may be the most important half for positive.”
On whether the prospect of Verstappen in a 2026 Mercedes was ‘scary’, Hamilton added: “Max in any automobile is a robust opponent. I do not actually assume an excessive amount of about it.”
F1 takes a brief break before the season resumes at the Belgian Grand Prix as the Sprint format returns, live on Sky Sports F1 on July 25-27. Stream Sky Sports activities with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime.
