Lewis Hamilton would recommend Mercedes to Max Verstappen, saying there would 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 taking place.
The story has taken a turn on Wednesday as Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was dismissed from his role after 20 years.
It is unclear if that means Verstappen is now even more likely to leave for Mercedes or if it is a reshuffle at Red Bull which could see him stay.
Hamilton was speaking at the British Grand Prix of the possibility of a huge move for the four-time world champion and said there would 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 in terms of winning, so I don’t think it would be a problem.’
On the idea of leaving Red Bull for Mercedes, Hamilton cleared up some comments he made in the past, insisting that he has nothing but respect for Red Bull.
‘He’s coming from a great team,’ said the Brit. ‘Many, many years ago I was being asked something about… 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’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.
‘But the truth is, Red Bull have been an incredible team. There are so many people there who are exceptional. 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, of course I would (recommend it). I’m interested to see what happens.’
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has been pursuing the signature of Verstappen for some time and has made no secret of that fact of late.
‘As a team principal responsible for the best car brand in the world it is clear you’re exploring what a four-time world champion is going to do in the future,’ 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 is reportedly a break clause in that deal which would allow him to leave if he is significantly far down the Drivers’ Championship standings after the Hungarian Grand Prix in August.
Verstappen currently sits third in the standings, behind the McLaren pair of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
Mercedes’ George Russell is fourth, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton in 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 two decades of work.
A statement read: ‘We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years. With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1.
‘Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.’