Max Verstappen 'could take Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes spot if he quits Red Bull'

Max Verstappen could be Lewis Hamilton's surprise Mercedes replacement should he decide to call it quits with Red Bull.

The reigning three-time Formula One champion has been thrusted into the Red Bull crisis which has now brought the Dutchman's future with the team in peril.

Verstappen still has five years to run on his £43million-a-year contract at Red Bull but that hasn't stopped rumours of a potential departure from Red Bull to Mercedes, given Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari in 2025. The Sun say Verstappen could yet end up at Mercedes.

READ MORE: Max Verstappen sensationally threatens to quit Red Bull if Helmut Marko goes

READ MORE: Red Bull chief 'could face suspension' in more chaos for team after Christian Horner saga

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Discussions surrounding what would be a colossal move in the world of F1 were sparked after Verstappen was reportedly furious over suggestions that Helmut Marko could be suspended from the team amid the fallout from the Christian Horner investigation.

Marko, who is a team adviser at Red Bull, is close with the Dutchman having overseen his career in the team's driver development programme which he's headed since 1999.

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The 81-year-old is set to meet chief Oliver Mintzlaff at Saturday's (March 9) Saudi Grand Prix as his potential exit could spell the end of Verstappen's time at Red Bull, given his loyalty to the Austrian which he's made apparent in interviews.

"I am loyal to Helmut," the Dutchman insisted. "He is a big and important part in my decision making and important he stays within the team including everyone else. It is important we keep people together because if an important pillar falls away, that is not good for my career as well."

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After being asked whether Marko must stay to ensure he remains with Red Bull, Verstappen answered: "So for me, Helmut has to stay. He has built this team with [Red Bull co-founder] Dietrich Mateschitz from day one and been loyal.

"You need to give the man respect for what he has done and that comes back to loyalty and integrity and is important to why he stays part of the team." The 26-year-old will start on pole in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as he looks to claim his second consecutive victory of the season.

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