Lewis Hamilton BIG HINTS Max Verstappen arrives in 2026 and Antonelli or Russell could be in a “shootout” to stay at Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton has sparked fresh speculation about the future of Mercedes, hinting at a potential shake-up within the team that could involve Max Verstappen joining in 2026. In a recent interview, Hamilton discussed Mercedes’ long-term plans, suggesting that the current driver lineup could face fierce competition, especially if Verstappen were to make the unexpected switch.
Hamilton hinted at the possibility of Mercedes signing the reigning F1 champion Verstappen, saying, “It’s always good to have competition, and Max is a great driver. Who knows what the future holds?” This comment has sent the F1 world buzzing, with fans and pundits alike debating the likelihood of such a move.
In addition to the Verstappen rumors, Hamilton also alluded to a potential “shootout” within the team, involving Mercedes’ rising star Andrea Kimi Antonelli and current teammate George Russell. “We’ve got incredible talent in the Mercedes family. Whether it’s George or Kimi, there could be a real battle ahead for the future. Only the best will stay,” Hamilton said. This statement suggests that Antonelli, who is seen as a future star, could challenge Russell for a seat at Mercedes if the team decides to shake up its lineup.
Antonelli, currently impressing in junior categories, has long been touted as Mercedes’ next big talent. If Verstappen were to join the team, it would place even more pressure on Russell and Antonelli to prove themselves worthy of staying in one of the most coveted seats on the F1 grid.
Russell, who joined Mercedes in 2022, has shown strong performances alongside Hamilton, but the prospect of Verstappen entering the fray could drastically alter the team dynamics. Should a “shootout” occur, as Hamilton hinted, the competition between Antonelli and Russell would be intense, with both drivers eager to secure their long-term future at Mercedes.
While there is no official confirmation of Verstappen’s potential move to Mercedes, Hamilton’s comments suggest that big changes could be on the horizon for the Silver Arrows. As the 2026 season approaches, Mercedes may be preparing for one of the most competitive lineups in F1, with Verstappen, Russell, and Antonelli all in the mix. For now, the F1 world waits in anticipation to see how this potential blockbuster driver shuffle unfolds.
