Mercedes ‘expected’ to replace Hamilton with Verstappen

Helmut Marko, an advisor to Red Bull Racing, has suggested that Mercedes may reach out to Max Verstappen as a potential replacement for Lewis Hamilton. This speculation arises following the confirmation last month that Hamilton will be departing Mercedes for Ferrari ahead of the 2025 season, where he will join Charles Leclerc. With attention now turned to who might fill Hamilton’s seat at Mercedes, names like Alexander Albon, Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, and Oscar Piastri have surfaced as potential candidates.

Despite Verstappen being under a long-term contract with Red Bull, Marko entertained the possibility of Mercedes attempting to entice him away. Speaking to Austrian news outlet Kronen Zeitung, the 80-year-old remarked, “I would be surprised if they hadn’t. But Max is a very loyal driver.”

Regarding Hamilton’s departure, Marko acknowledged his exceptional talent, stating, “Lewis is an exceptional driver. If provided with a competitive car, whether for winning races or championships, Mercedes will likely keep him involved until the end – they wouldn’t simply disregard his abilities.”

Verstappen’s recent victory in the Bahrain season opener, ahead of Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez and Ferrari’s Sainz, has sparked speculation about his potential performance for the rest of the season. Marko emphasized that achieving similar results will be influenced by various factors, including track-specific conditions. He noted, “There are also circuit-specific parameters. Securing pole position in tracks like Monaco or Singapore is crucial for winning. While our aim is to approach such dream results, the competition has become fiercer, and our primary goal remains the championship.”

Formula 1 action resumes next weekend with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah.

Speculation Surrounds Max Verstappen’s Potential Departure from Red Bull Amidst Mercedes Interest and Team Dynamics Concerns

It has been alleged that Max Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, has confided in friends about the possibility of his son being compelled to depart from Red Bull Racing. This speculation arises amidst claims that Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff met with Jos, fueling rumors that the Dutch racer is being pursued as a potential replacement for Lewis Hamilton.

Reported by The Telegraph, Jos apparently conveyed that his son might consider leaving Red Bull if the issues with Christian Horner are not resolved. In response to inquiries regarding his conversation with Jos, Wolff, as quoted by F1-Insider, remarked, “I have known Jos for 25 years – through thick and thin – and I simply congratulated him on his son’s achievement. Max is performing at an exceptional level.”

Pressed further on whether Verstappen could join Mercedes, Wolff commented, “Anything is possible.” Meanwhile, Horner’s position as Red Bull team principal was recently affirmed following an internal investigation by the team’s parent company, Red Bull GmbHan, into allegations of “inappropriate behavior,” which Horner has consistently denied.

Despite this, subsequent attention was drawn to Horner after purported evidence related to the case was leaked. Addressing these developments, Horner declined to comment on “anonymous speculation from unidentified sources,” emphasizing the team’s focus on racing.

Jos Verstappen, who has had past disagreements with Horner, denied being the source of the leak and expressed concern about the impact of the controversy on team dynamics. He stated to De Telegraaf, “The situation is not healthy for the team and is causing divisions.”

Regarding rumors of tension between Jos and Horner, a spokesperson for Red Bull asserted, “There are no issues here. The team remains united and focused on racing.”