Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsOpinion

Hamilton would ‘of course’ recommend Mercedes to Verstappen

40

Lewis Hamilton has thrown his support behind the idea of Max Verstappen potentially joining Mercedes, saying he would “of course” recommend his former team if the reigning world champion decided to leave Red Bull.

The Dutchman has faced challenges with Red Bull’s car performance in 2025, fueling rumors of a possible switch to the Silver Arrows outfit, with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff openly admitting to holding discussions with Verstappen’s management.

Hamilton, who departed Mercedes for Ferrari ahead of the 2025 season after securing six of his seven titles with the German outfit, is perhaps the driver on the grid the most well acquainted with Verstappen’s outstanding qualities, having enjoyed – and sometimes loathed – many wheel-to-wheel battles with his former arch-rival.

The Briton therefore wouldn’t hesitate to give Verstappen a glowing review of the Silver Arrows outfit.

“It’s an amazing team”

“Of course,” Hamilton said, when asked whether he’d encourage Verstappen to consider a switch. “I mean, he's coming from a great team. Many, many years ago, I was being asked something about, I can't remember.

“I think I was just so diehard Mercedes at the time, and I remember saying something about Red Bull being only a drinks company.

“And I always regretted it, because I was just saying that Mercedes at the time was just great. I was really just trying to G up my team, but the truth is, Red Bull have been an incredible team.

“There's so many people there that are exceptional, and they've dominated for years. But what I can say, 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, great environment to work in. So, of course I would say, be interested to see what happens.”

Speculation Ramping Up

The comments come at a time when Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has been increasingly open about holding talks with Verstappen’s camp — though no formal agreement has been made, while George Russell has yet to see his contract extended.

The speculation around Verstappen’s future has intensified ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix, with Verstappen grilled by reporters about reported between his management and Mercedes.

Read also: Verstappen’s response to media grilling on Mercedes rumors

“Who says that?” Verstappen responded, before adding, “I have nothing to add,” when told it was Wolff who confirmed the discussions.

With Verstappen’s Red Bull contract running until 2028 but containing performance-related exit clauses, and Mercedes delaying a new deal with Russell, the prospect of a blockbuster move continues to loom large.

And Hamilton’s glowing endorsement only adds fuel to the speculation surrounding Formula 1’s driver market.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.