Max Verstappen warned against Mercedes switch by F1 rival Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton has warned Max Verstappen against joining Mercedes as his replacement - but not because of their legendary rivalry.
Three-time world champion Verstappen has emerged as an unlikely candidate for the Silver Arrows following Red Bull's internal crisis.
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Allegations of improper behaviour against Red Bull chief Christian Horner have overshadowed the start of the new Formula 1 season.
Following Verstappen's victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix, his father Jos, called for Horner to be sacked, saying the ‘tension’ over the scandal could threaten to ‘tear the team apart’.
Verstappen Snr was later pictured having a meeting with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, who chose not to rule out the Dutchman replacing Hamilton in 2025.
Verstappen has refused to completely shut down the reports either, having first been courted by the Brackley-based team in 2014.
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Hamilton - who will join Ferrari for the 2025 season - agreed that his former title rival would be of heavy interest to Mercedes.
However, the 39-year-old doubted whether Verstappen would leave Red Bull, where he remains under contract until 2028.
“I think my move has shown that anything's possible,†he said. “There's going to be a really interesting next six months or so. I don't have an extra scoop.
“I'm sure Max is on the list, but I'm pretty sure he's tied up, and also I couldn't see why you would leave the car that was that good.â€
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Hamilton was pressed on whether he was surprised his current team would be interested in Verstappen considering their former rivalry.
The pair delivered a title bout for the ages in 2021, going wheel-to-wheel on several occasions, and headed into the Abu Dhabi finale level on points.
Hamilton looked set to have edged that race for his eighth world title but an infamous late safety car call decided the Grand Prix in Verstappen’s favour for his maiden championship on the final lap.
On Mercedes' interest in Verstappen now, the Brit added: "I wouldn't say I'm surprised, because he's a great driver.
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“I think even we spoke back then. Max in that moment, he did what he had to do, it was nothing on him, it was the sport that let us down.
“And I think that wasn't his fault. Me, in his position, I would have done exactly the same thing. So there's no issues there.
“I think if you run a team, you want to have the best driver, and you want to be the team that's got the driver that brings in the eyeballs, brings the sponsorships, and he is one of those.
“So I understand it, but it wouldn't make sense, I would say, for him. But it'll be interesting to see."
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