When asked to give his feelings on rumours that Max Verstappen could join Mercedes, especially in light of what happened at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton said it was not Max, but “the sport that let us down”.

There has been a lot of rumours and speculation in the F1 media recently regarding the possibility of Max Verstappen joining Mercedes in 2025 as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement.

So, ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Lewis was asked to give his thoughts on this possibility, especially in light of the controversy surrounding the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

“I wouldn’t say I’m surprised, no, because he’s a great driver,” the Briton said.

“We spoke back then [after Abu Dhabi 2021], I think Max in that moment did what he had to do. There was nothing on him, it was the sport that let us down.

“I think that wasn’t his fault. Me, in his position, I would have done exactly the same thing. So there’s no issue there.

“But I think if you run a team, you want to have the best driver in [it]. You want, as a team, the driver that brings in the eyeballs, brings in the sponsorships, and he is one of those. So, I understand it.

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“It wouldn’t make sense for him, but it will be interesting to see.”

Lewis added his own 2025 move to Ferrari is proof that Verstappen’s move to Mercedes is not impossible.

“I think my move has shown that anything is possible, and it’s going to be a really interesting next six months or so.

“I don’t have any extra scoop. I’m sure Max is on the list, but I’m pretty sure he’s tied up.

“And I also don’t see why he’d leave a car that is that good,” Hamilton concluded.

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