The Formula 1 driver market is a perpetually fascinating ecosystem, rarely settling for long before swirling rumours begin to connect top talent with prospective seats. With Lewis Hamilton’s seismic shift from Mercedes to Ferrari confirmed for 2025, the vacancy at the Silver Arrows has naturally become a focal point of speculation.
Among the names most frequently linked with the high-profile drive is none other than reigning world champion Max Verstappen. While currently under contract with Red Bull, persistent reports suggest Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff remains keen on enticing the Dutchman to Brackley, particularly with the significant regulation changes arriving in 2026.
Speaking recently at the British Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton, the man whose impending departure created the opportunity, offered his perspective on the possibility of his former championship rival taking his place. Hamilton’s comments were notably measured, seemingly putting aside the intense on-track battles and controversial conclusion to the 2021 season.
“Max didn`t do anything [wrong in 2021]. He did what he needed to do in terms of winning, so I don`t think it would be a problem,” Hamilton stated, dismissing any personal animosity impacting his view on Verstappen potentially joining his long-time team.
Not only would Hamilton be unfazed by such a move, but he went a step further, stating he would actually **recommend Mercedes** to Verstappen. This comes with the wisdom of over a decade spent with the team, delivering six of his seven world championships and numerous victories.
“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,” he elaborated, painting a picture of a professional and nurturing environment.
The seven-time champion also took a moment for a reflective, slightly ironic, look back at his own history. He recalled a past comment where, in a moment of spirited defence of Mercedes, he had somewhat dismissively referred to Red Bull as “only a drinks company.”
“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,” Hamilton confessed. “But the truth is, Red Bull have been an incredible team… They`ve dominated for years.” This acknowledges the sheer engineering and operational strength that has seen Red Bull become the benchmark outfit, a far cry from a mere branding exercise.
Looking ahead to 2026, the landscape of Formula 1 will shift dramatically with new car and power unit regulations. This technical reset is seen by many as the most significant factor influencing top drivers` future decisions. Hamilton highlighted this aspect when discussing what might sway Verstappen.
“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,” Hamilton predicted.
The expectation within the paddock is that Mercedes, with their established engine division in Brixworth, are well-placed to develop a competitive power unit under the new rules. Red Bull, conversely, is embarking on its first in-house engine project with Red Bull Powertrains, a venture whose competitiveness relative to established manufacturers like Mercedes, Ferrari, and Renault (Alpine) remains an open question.
When pressed on whether the prospect of Verstappen in a competitive Mercedes car would be “scary,” Hamilton offered a characteristically cool response.
“Max in any car is a strong opponent. I don`t really think too much about it,” he stated, maintaining focus on his own impending challenge with Ferrari rather than hypothetical future rivalries.
Ultimately, the question of where Max Verstappen will drive in 2026 remains one of the most intriguing storylines in Formula 1. While his contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, performance under the new regulations and internal team dynamics could potentially open doors. Hamilton’s candid endorsement adds another layer to this unfolding saga, suggesting that from his perspective, a move to Mercedes for his formidable rival would be a logical, if dramatic, next chapter.
