Lewis Hamilton expects Mercedes to consider an audacious move for Max Verstappen as they seek to replace the outgoing British driver.
Next year will see Hamilton move to Ferrari in a switch that few in the Formula One paddock saw coming.
Given his own surprise switch, the 39-year-old has tipped Mercedes to at least try and sign Red Bull star Verstappen for the 2025 campaign.
He told reporters: “My move has shown that anything's possible, and it's going to be a really interesting next six months or so.
“I don't have an extra scoop. I know that... I'm sure Max is on the list, but I'm pretty sure he's tied up, and also, I couldn't see why you would leave a car that is that good.”
Verstappen is under contract until 2028 but a reported break clause would allow him to depart in the event of team advisor Dr Helmut Marko leaving or being removed from the F1 world champions.
The ongoing saga around Christian Horner continued on Thursday with the woman who accused him of inappropriate behaviour being suspended.
Max’s father, Jos Verstappen, said in Bahrain last week that the issue risks tearing the team apart - comments which the title favourite has refused to condemn.
However, ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Verstappen insisted that he is currently not interested in taking Hamilton’s seat.
“Nobody would have seen that Lewis would move to Ferrari,” said the Dutchman.
“You never know in general life what happens, or comes to you, or happens around you or what might influence you.
“So you can never say 100 per cent that that is how it is going to be... but I am very relaxed and very happy at the team and the performance is there, so there is no reason to leave."
