Lewis Hamilton has expressed his willingness to welcome Max Verstappen to Mercedes, stating he would have no issues with his former rival joining the team. This comment comes amid ongoing speculation regarding Verstappen’s future, particularly as Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has made attempts to sign the Dutch driver following Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes to join Ferrari for the 2024 season.
Verstappen’s Potential Move to Mercedes
Since the announcement in February 2024 about Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari, Wolff has been linked with efforts to acquire Verstappen from Red Bull. Although Wolff’s attempts to secure Verstappen for the 2025 season were unsuccessful, the conversation has reignited with rumors suggesting he could join Mercedes in 2026.
Verstappen, the reigning world champion with four consecutive titles, previously had a contentious rivalry with Hamilton, particularly highlighted by their dramatic showdown for the 2021 championship. Despite past tensions, Hamilton has cleared the air, commenting on the prospect of Verstappen joining Mercedes during the recent British Grand Prix.
Hamilton stated, “Max didn’t do anything. He did what he needed to do in terms of winning, so I don’t think it would be a problem.” He further noted that he would recommend Mercedes to Verstappen, acknowledging the strengths of both teams in the competitive landscape of Formula 1.
Praise for Red Bull and Mercedes
While discussing the potential transition, Hamilton also took the opportunity to commend Red Bull’s accomplishments. He remarked, “Red Bull have been an incredible team. There are so many people there who are exceptional. They’ve dominated for years.” This recognition highlights Hamilton’s respect for his former rival’s current team, despite his own long-standing association with Mercedes.
Hamilton emphasized the positive aspects of Mercedes, saying, “It’s an amazing team… with great personnel, a great factory, and a great environment to work in.” This endorsement reflects his belief in the team’s capabilities, particularly as they prepare for significant changes in regulations.
A crucial factor influencing Verstappen’s decision to move to Mercedes may be the engine performance under the new regulations set to take effect in 2026. Hamilton indicated that the Mercedes team is expected to produce a highly competitive engine, which he believes will play a significant role in Verstappen’s considerations.
He noted, “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.” This insight underlines the technical aspects that could sway Verstappen’s choice as he evaluates his options.
When asked if the idea of Verstappen driving for Mercedes was “scary,” Hamilton responded, “Max in any car is a strong opponent. I don’t really think too much about it.” His remarks reflect a level of confidence in his own abilities while acknowledging Verstappen’s prowess as a competitor.
The Formula 1 season will soon return, with the next race taking place at the Belgian Grand Prix from July 25-27, 2024. As the championship progresses, the dynamics of team rivalries and driver movements will continue to capture the attention of fans around the world.
