Lewis Hamilton would recommend Mercedes to Max Verstappen, saying there can be no problem with the Dutchman joining the team.
Verstappen has been linked with making the blockbuster switch from Red Bull to Mercedes in recent weeks, with advanced talks reportedly going down.
The story has taken a activate Wednesday as Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was dismissed from his role after 20 years.
It’s unclear if which means Verstappen is now much more more likely to leave for Mercedes or whether it is a reshuffle at Red Bull which could see him stay.
Hamilton was speaking on the British Grand Prix of the potential of an enormous move for the four-time world champion and said there can be no issue regarding Verstappen’s controversial 2021 world title win when he pipped Hamilton to victory in Abu Dhabi.
‘Max didn’t do anything,’ said Hamilton. ‘He did what he needed to do by way of winning, so I don’t think it might be an issue.’
On the thought of leaving Red Bull for Mercedes, Hamilton cleared up some comments he made prior to now, insisting that he has nothing but respect for Red Bull.
‘He’s coming from an awesome team,’ said the Brit. ‘Many, a few years ago I used to be being asked something about… I believe I used to be just so diehard Mercedes on the time, and I remember saying something about Red Bull being only a drinks company.
‘And I’ve at all times regretted it because I used to be just saying that Mercedes on the time were great, I used to be really just attempting to gee up my team.
‘But the reality is, Red Bull have been an incredible team. There are such a lot of people there who’re exceptional. They’ve dominated for years.
‘But what I can say is, if anyone was going to ask me about Mercedes, it’s a tremendous team also with naturally the fervour, they’ve got great personnel, it’s an awesome factory, an awesome environment to work in.
‘So, after all I might (recommend it). I’m interested to see what happens.’
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has been pursuing the signature of Verstappen for a while and has made no secret of that fact of late.
‘As a team principal accountable for one of the best automotive brand on this planet it is evident you’re exploring what a four-time world champion goes to do in the long run,’ he said last month.
Current Drivers’ Standings
Piastri – 234
Norris – 226
Verstappen – 165
Russell – 147
Leclerc – 119
Hamilton – 103
Antonelli – 63
Albon – 46
Hulkenberg – 37
Ocon – 23
The Dutchman is under contract at Red Bull in 2028 but there may be reportedly a break clause in that deal which might allow him to depart if he’s significantly far down the Drivers’ Championship standings after the Hungarian Grand Prix in August.
Verstappen currently sits third within the standings, behind the McLaren pair of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
Mercedes’ George Russell is fourth, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton within the Ferraris sitting fifth and sixth.
Horner’s dismissal was confirmed on Wednesday morning, with Oliver Mintzlaff, Managing director of Red Bull GmbH, thanking him for 20 years of labor.
A press release read: ‘We would really like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work during the last 20 years. Along with his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and progressive pondering, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as some of the successful and attractive teams in Formula 1.
‘Thanks for every thing, Christian, and you may eternally remain a very important a part of our team history.’
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