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Hamilton identifies key aspect that could be the deciding factor for Verstappen amid market rumors

19:10, 04 Jul

Updated: 19:11, 04 Jul

byTobia Elia

Lewis Hamilton is confident that Mercedes will have a powerful engine in 2026, which could prove to be a deciding factor in Max Verstappen’s choice of team for next season.

While waiting to see if he can finally secure his first podium—or perhaps even a win—with Ferrari at Silverstone, Lewis Hamilton also weighed in on the market rumours linking Max Verstappen to Mercedes, although for now, the situation hasn’t seen any major developments.

Mercedes will have 'an amazing engine' in 2026 according to Hamilton

''I think Max in any car is a strong opponent, so I don't really think too much about it,'' the seven time world champion said about it.

When asked what drivers tend to prioritise when considering a potential team switch—especially with a major regulation change coming next year—Hamilton replied: ''You'll be looking at the engine, firstly.''

According to the Briton, his former team will be equipped with a highly competitive power unit next year: ''Mercedes is going to have an amazing engine for sure next year because that's what they are particularly strong at building. That will be the big spot for sure.''

Today, Max Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, also spoke out—publicly addressing the transfer rumours for the first time: "It is logical that we also talk to Toto [Wolff], just as it is logical that we also talk to A, B, C and D.''

''That we occasionally have a cup of coffee, I don't find that so shocking, but now a whole media circus is being made of it."

"The question is still what will or won't happen. Perhaps nothing will happen. That wouldn't be strange in itself. It has happened before that performance clauses were triggered and then it blew over. But we can't give a hundred percent clarity about next year now, no. Nobody can."