Hamilton: I would recommend Mercedes F1 switch to Verstappen

Lewis Hamilton revealed he would give a glowing Mercedes reference to Max Verstappen, should the Dutchman decide its time to leave Red Bull and join the Silver Arrows in Formula 1.

Rumours persist that Verstappen could be tempted to leave Red Bull at the end of this year, with Mercedes thought to be a strong option as his current car continues to present struggles for the four-time world champion.

Hamilton, Verstappen's long-term rival, left Mercedes for Ferrari ahead of the 2025 campaign having won six of his own seven drivers titles driving for the German manufacturer.

However, asked if he would promote Mercedes to Verstappen, Hamilton was unequivocal, while also admitting guilt to having previously labelled Red Bull as “just a drinks company”.

Asked if he would recommend his former team, Hamilton said: “Of course. I mean, he's coming from a great team. Many, many years ago, I was being asked something about, I can't remember.

“I think I was just so diehard Mercedes at the time, and I remember saying something about Red Bull being only a drinks company. 

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes-AMG F1 Team, 1st position, kisses the winners trophy

Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images

“And I always regretted it, because I was just saying that Mercedes at the time was just great. I was really just trying to G up my team, but the truth is, Red Bull have been an incredible team.

“There's so many people there that are exceptional, and they've dominated for years. But what I can say, if anyone was going to ask me about Mercedes, it's an amazing team also. 

“With, naturally, the passion, they've got great personnel, it's a great factory, great environment to work in. So, of course I would say [so], [I'd] be interested to see what happens.”

Verstappen has been a long-term target for Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, who admitted on more than one occasion that talks have occurred with the Red Bull driver.

Asked at the British Grand Prix media day why his camp was in discussions with Mercedes, Verstappen replied: “Who says that?,” and, having been told it was Wolff, he said: “I have nothing to add.”