Lewis Hamilton has endorsed Max Verstappen as a potential Mercedes signing for 2026, stating he would have no "problem" with his former rival joining his ex-team.
The seven-time world champion said Verstappen "didn't do anything" wrong during their controversial 2021 title battle, adding that the Dutchman simply "did what he needed to do in terms of winning".
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has been pursuing Verstappen since Hamilton's Ferrari move was confirmed in February 2024.
Fresh speculation has emerged in recent weeks that the four-time world champion could join Mercedes in 2026 after Wolff's unsuccessful attempts to secure him for 2025.
Lewis Hamilton has endorsed Max Verstappen as a potential Mercedes signing for 2026, stating he would have no "problem" with his former rival joining his ex-team
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Hamilton said he would recommend Mercedes to Verstappen while also taking the opportunity to praise Red Bull.
"Of course (I would recommend Mercedes)," said the 40-year-old, per Sky Sports.
"He's coming from a great team. Many, many years ago I was being asked something about I think I was just so diehard Mercedes at the time, and I remember saying something about Red Bull being only a drinks company.
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Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have had a tense relationship over the years
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"And I've always regretted it because I was just saying that Mercedes at the time were great, I was really just trying to gee up my team.
"But the truth is, Red Bull have been an incredible team. There are so many people there who are exceptional. They've dominated for years.
"But what I can say is, 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, a great environment to work in.
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"So, of course I would (recommend it). I'm interested to see what happens."
The expectation within the paddock is that Mercedes are likely to produce the best engine under the vastly different new regulations being introduced for 2026.
Hamilton emphasised this advantage, stating: "Mercedes will build an amazing engine next year because that's what they are particularly strong at building. That would be the biggest part for sure."
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Red Bull will be producing their own engine for the first time in 2026, with rumours suggesting they are behind Mercedes in terms of development.
Hamilton dismissed concerns about the prospect of facing Verstappen in a Mercedes, maintaining a characteristically measured response.
When asked whether Verstappen in a 2026 Mercedes would be 'scary', Hamilton replied: "Max in any car is a strong opponent. I don't really think too much about it."
Lewis Hamilton made sure to congratulate Max Verstappen in Abu Dhabi in 2021 Getty The Ferrari driver expressed curiosity about how the situation might develop, adding: "I'm interested to see what happens."
Hamilton's comments suggest he views Verstappen as a formidable competitor regardless of which team he drives for, rather than being particularly concerned about any specific team combination.
The endorsement comes despite their intense rivalry, particularly during the contentious 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi where questionable officiating decisions left Hamilton questioning his future in the sport.
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