07 March 2024 , 09:17
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Lewis Hamilton has admitted that Max Verstappen is a contender to replace him at Mercedes.
Despite signing a multi-year contract back in August 2023, Hamilton confirmed last month that he is set to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari ahead of the 2025 season. That has opened up a vacancy at the Silver Arrows, with Verstappen among the drivers linked to fill that position.
Following the public spat between Christian Horner and Jos Verstappen, speculation has arisen that the latter's son, who is under contract until 2028, could leave Red Bull. And Hamilton has now revealed that the Dutchman is a candidate to race alongside George Russell at Mercedes next season.
Speaking ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Hamilton said: "My move has shown that anything is possible. I know and I am sure Max is on the list."
Hamilton added: "I wouldn't say I am surprised that he is being considered. He is a great driver. And Max in that moment did what he had to do. It was nothing on him. It was the sport that let us down and that wasn't his fault. If I was in his position I would have done the same thing, so there are no issues there.
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"If you run a team you want the best driver and a driver that brings in the eyeballs and brings in the sponsorship and he is one of those. I understand it but it wouldn’t make sense for him, but it will be interesting to see.
"George (Russell) is an integral part of this team and he will be here for the long haul. He is doing a great job and he will grow to be a leader of this team so it will be interesting to see what their relationship looks like but I am sure they will work it out. It will definitely be a strong line-up."
Max Verstappen talks with Christian Horner (Bob McCaffrey)Jos, the father of three-time world champion Max, cast doubt on Horner's position at Red Bull last weekend, despite the team principal being cleared after an investigation into alleged inappropriate behaviour. Horner has strongly denied accusations and maintained his innocence after alleged private messages were leaked.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Jos said: "It can't go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems."
Hamilton weighed in with his verdict on the situation at Red Bull on Wednesday. When asked about the controversy, the 39-year-old replied: "I don't know the details of it.
"So I don't know what he's basing these foundations off. But at the end of the day, he's not a part of the team, he's a parent. And so that's just an opinion, but it's definitely not helpful."