Hamilton Tips Verstappen for Mercedes Seat Amidst Red Bull Turmoil
In a surprising twist, Lewis Hamilton has suggested that Max Verstappen could be in the running to replace him at Mercedes for the upcoming season. Hamilton’s decision to leave the Silver Arrows for Ferrari has left a vacancy that many are eager to fill.
“My move has shown that anything is possible,” said Hamilton ahead of this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. “I know and I am sure Max is on the list.”
Speculation surrounding Verstappen’s future at Red Bull has intensified, fueled by apparent internal strife within the team. A public feud between Red Bull’s team principal Christian Horner and Verstappen’s father, Jos, has cast doubt on the Dutch driver’s commitment to the team, despite being under contract until 2028.
Christian Horner’s position has also come under scrutiny recently due to allegations made against him by a female colleague, which he has vehemently denied.
Despite tensions between Hamilton and Verstappen during the 2021 season, Hamilton acknowledged Verstappen’s talent, saying, “If you run a team you want the best driver…and he is one of those.” However, he emphasized the importance of George Russell, stating, “George is an integral part of this team and he will be here for the long haul.”
Russell himself welcomed the prospect of competing against Verstappen, asserting his confidence in his abilities and expressing admiration for Verstappen’s talent. He remarked, “Any team wants to have the best driver lineup possible and right now Max is the best driver on the grid.”
The uncertainty surrounding Verstappen’s future adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming Formula One season, leaving fans and pundits alike eager to see how the driver lineup saga unfolds.
