In a candid moment at the British Grand Prix, seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton offered his perspective on the ongoing speculation linking his former rival, Max Verstappen, with a potential move to Mercedes. Hamilton, who is set to depart Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025, indicated he would have “no problem” with the reigning world champion potentially taking his seat at the Silver Arrows in the future.
The prospect of Verstappen joining Mercedes has been a persistent topic in the F1 paddock, particularly since Hamilton`s seismic decision to switch teams was announced. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has openly, albeit perhaps more speculatively in recent times, discussed the possibility of bringing the dominant Dutchman into their fold. While a move for 2025 didn`t materialize, attention has now firmly shifted to the significant regulation changes slated for 2026, which include a complete overhaul of the power unit rules.
Given their intense and, at times, contentious battle for the 2021 world championship – culminating in a controversial final race – Hamilton`s relaxed stance on Verstappen potentially joining his long-time team might raise an eyebrow or two. However, when pressed on the subject, Hamilton was pragmatic.
“Max didn`t do anything,” Hamilton commented, referring to their past rivalry. “He did what he needed to do in terms of winning, so I don`t think it would be a problem.” This suggests a professional detachment, acknowledging Verstappen`s performance while seemingly setting aside the historical on-track tensions.
Hamilton went further, stating he would actually recommend Mercedes to Verstappen, despite the latter currently driving for the seemingly invincible Red Bull Racing. “Of course,” Hamilton said when asked if he`d recommend his former team. He then reflected on a past, somewhat dismissive comment he made about Red Bull being merely a “drinks company,” acknowledging his regret.
“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,” he recalled. “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.”
Offering a more balanced view, Hamilton added, “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.” Yet, he quickly pivoted back to extolling the virtues of his current team: “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.”
The 2026 Engine Factor
Much of the current speculation surrounding Verstappen`s future hinges on the radical engine regulations coming into effect in 2026. Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains, based in Brixworth, UK, has historically been a benchmark in engine development, particularly during the turbo-hybrid era that began in 2014. There is an expectation within the F1 community that Mercedes could once again hold an advantage under the new rules, which will feature a significantly increased electrical component and a new fuel formula.
Red Bull, for the first time, will be developing and building their own power unit for 2026 through their Red Bull Powertrains division, in partnership with Ford. There are whispers in the paddock that this new venture might be facing development challenges compared to established engine manufacturers like Mercedes, Ferrari, and Renault (Alpine), as well as newcomer Audi.
Hamilton highlighted this engine factor as key to any potential decision Verstappen might face regarding his future team. Asked what would primarily influence such a move, Hamilton stated, “He will be looking at the engine. Mercedes will build an amazing engine next year because that`s what they are particularly strong at building. That would be the biggest part for sure.”
Despite the potential implications of the sport`s current dominant force joining his former squad, Hamilton remained unperturbed by the notion of Verstappen piloting a 2026 Mercedes. When questioned if the prospect was “scary,” Hamilton simply replied, “Max in any car is a strong opponent. I don`t really think too much about it.” A pragmatist to the last, it seems.
Gilbert Pendleton