Formula 1: Red Bull Chief Discusses the Potential of Verstappen Lewis Replacing Hamilton at Mercedes

• The commencement of the 2024 Formula 1 season is on the horizon
• Lewis Hamilton recently completed a move to Ferrari from Mercedes
• A Red Bull Chief has spoken about Verstappen replacing Hamilton

The Formula 1 community was left reeling by the bombshell announcement of Lewis Hamilton's move from Mercedes AMG to Scuderia Ferrari for the 2025 season.

The seven-time champion was bidding farewell to Brackley, his home since 2013, opting instead to join the Maranello-based team on a two-plus one-year contract.

While this news may have caught many off guard, it has also left Mercedes scrambling to find a worthy successor to Hamilton's unparalleled talent.

Numerous names, including Ferrari's Carlos Sainz, Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso, Mick Schumacher, and the unexpected contender, Max Verstappen, have surfaced as potential replacements for the departing 39-year-old.

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With Verstappen's name swirling in the rumour mill as a potential replacement, a Red Bull Racing Chief has weighed in on the possibility of the three-time F1 champion making the move to the Brackley-based team.

Red Bull Chief on Verstappen replacing Hamilton

Head of Red Bull's driver development program, Helmut Marko, recently addressed the speculation surrounding Mercedes attempting to recruit Max Verstappen in light of Hamilton's announcement.

As reported by RBR Daily, the 80-year-old motorsport veteran responded to inquiries about Mercedes' interest in their star driver, saying:

"Toto [Wolff] may attempt it, but he won't succeed."

The former F1 driver elaborated, highlighting Verstappen's recollection of past incidents involving Mercedes:

"Max remembers Mercedes' accusations well, such as the 2021 Silverstone crash and the Abu Dhabi season finale."

Red Bull are evidently determined to retain their immensely talented driver, recently tying him with an eight-year rolling contract reportedly worth over $70 million annually, as outlined by Forbes.

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Verstappen himself has consistently played down talks of leaving Red Bull, suggesting any potential departure could mark the end of his career in the sport.

What’s next for Carlos Sainz?

In another report, Sports Brief discussed the imminent future of Ferrari driver, Carlos Sainz.

Sainz lost his seat to Hamilton for the 2025 season, following Ferrari's announcement of an agreement with the British driver.

The former Toro Rosso driver could find himself without a seat in Formula 1 if he fails to secure a contract with any rival team for the 2025 season.