Lewis Hamilton Tips Max Verstappen As Perfect Candidate to Replace Him at Mercedes

• Lewis Hamilton is poised to join Scuderia Ferrari from the 2025 Formula 1 season
• Mercedes AMG are on the lookout for an ideal replacement for the departing driver
• The seven-time champion has tipped Verstappen to replace him at the Brackley team

Mercedes AMG have begun the search for an ideal successor to fill the shoes of Lewis Hamilton, after the Briton announced he was joining Scuderia Ferrari from the 2025 season.

A flurry of names, including Ferrari's Carlos Sainz, Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso and Formula 2 driver, Kimi Antonelli, have been linked with the vacant seat for the 2025 season.

However, recent rumours suggest that Max Verstappen could be a contender for the position. These speculations intensified following a reported fallout between Red Bull Racing's team principal, Christian Horner, and the Dutch driver's father, Jos Verstappen.

Lewis Hamilton discloses Mercedes' response to his concerns about the W14 car

Formula 1

While it's important to take these reports with a grain of salt, Hamilton himself has tipped Verstappen as his potential successor at Mercedes.

Hamilton tips Verstappen to replace him

Speaking ahead of the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, the 39-year-old touched on the Brackley team's list of replacements for him.

As quoted by GP Blog, the seven-time world champion said:

"I believe my decision has proven that anything can happen, and the next six months will be very interesting," Briton said.

"I think Max is being considered, but I'm pretty sure he is attached to a contract. I don't see why he would leave such a good car," noted the Mercedes driver.

Hamilton further touched on what the partnership between Verstappen and current Mercedes teammate, George Russell, would look like if the move materialises.

"George [Russell] is a key part of our team. He's here for the long haul, doing great. He'll evolve into the team's leader, and it would certainly be a strong lineup," he said.

Bayern's Tuchel gamble to face immediate test against Leipzig

Football

However, while it appears a switch from Red Bull to Mercedes for Verstappen will thrill many F1 fans, the 26-year-old himself, as reported by Red Bulletin, downplayed the potential of that happening.

Verstappen discusses joining Mercedes

Sports Brief in a previous report stated Dutch driver, Verstappen, has discussed leaving Red Bull for Mercedes.

The three-time drivers’ champion stressed he is currently pleased with the Austrian team, and it would take a severe fallout between both parties to see him drive for another constructor in 2025.