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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\u201cOf course,\u201d Hamilton said when asked if he would recommend Mercedes to Verstappen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI mean, he’s coming from a great team. Many, many years ago, I was being asked something about, I can’t remember.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think I was just so diehard Mercedes at the time, and I remember saying something about Red Bull being only a drinks company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hamilton continued to highlight Red Bull\u2019s dominance and the strength of its personnel, but added that Mercedes also remains an elite operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere\u2019s so many people there that are exceptional, and they\u2019ve dominated for years,\u201d he said of Red Bull.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut what I can say, if anyone was going to ask me about Mercedes, it’s an amazing team also.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWith, naturally, the passion, they’ve got great personnel, it’s a great factory, great environment to work in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo, of course I would say, be interested to see what happens.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Verstappen\u2019s Future Under Scrutiny<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Speculation surrounding Verstappen\u2019s future has intensified in recent weeks, with continued uncertainty at Red Bull adding fuel to the fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reigning world champion, who has been frustrated with the internal politics and performance swings at the team, is thought to be a target for Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wolff has openly admitted on multiple occasions that discussions have taken place with Verstappen or his representatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This ongoing interest, combined with Lewis Hamilton\u2019s departure from the German team at the end of the season, has made Mercedes a potentially attractive destination for Verstappen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The team is actively considering its driver line-up for 2025, with George Russell already confirmed and a second seat still to be decided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Verstappen Tight-Lipped on Mercedes Talks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
During the British Grand Prix media day, Verstappen was directly asked why his camp had been involved in talks with Mercedes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His reaction was terse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWho says that?,\u201d he asked in response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Upon being informed that it was Toto Wolff who had publicly confirmed the discussions, Verstappen replied, \u201cI have nothing to add.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This brief comment did little to cool the ongoing rumors, with paddock insiders continuing to believe that Mercedes is making a strong play for the Dutch driver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While Verstappen remains contracted to Red Bull through 2028, it is believed there are clauses in his agreement that could allow him to exit early, particularly if the team\u2019s performance or leadership situation declines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mercedes Looking to the Future<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
With Hamilton\u2019s imminent exit and Red Bull\u2019s internal turmoil, Mercedes finds itself in a unique position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The team, which dominated Formula 1 in the hybrid era with Hamilton, is now seeking a new cornerstone for its future ambitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Max Verstappen, widely regarded as the sport\u2019s most talented current driver, would represent a major coup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hamilton\u2019s endorsement adds weight to Mercedes\u2019 pitch, presenting the team not just as a historically successful outfit, but as an attractive and passionate environment for top drivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the 2024 season continues, all eyes will be on Verstappen\u2019s next move\u2014and whether Mercedes can persuade him to make the switch.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Lewis Hamilton has thrown his support behind the idea of Max Verstappen joining Mercedes, describing the team as \u201camazing\u201d and praising its personnel, environment, and culture. The seven-time world champion, who is set to switch to Ferrari in 2025, was asked whether he would recommend the Silver Arrows to his long-time rival, Verstappen, should the Dutch driver consider leaving Red Bull. Hamilton Reflects on Red Bull Remarks Despite their fierce rivalry over the years, Hamilton offered a glowing endorsement of both Red Bull and Mercedes during a recent interview. He admitted to having once made a dismissive comment about Red<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":32189,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,21,26],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-35107","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-driver-market","category-featured","category-latest-news"],"yoast_head":"\n