Ex-FIA Steward Compares Max Verstappen Mercedes Rumors to Lewis Hamilton’s Historic 2013 Switch
Former FIA Steward Johnny Herbert drew similarities between Max Verstappen's Mercedes talks and Lewis Hamilton's switch to the Silver Arrows over a decade ago.

Max Verstappen (via Red Bull), Lewis Hamilton (via Getty)
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Max Verstappen is at the center of attention in Formula 1 for the wrong reasons. Amid a dismal campaign in 2025, rumors persist that the 27-year-old could soon ditch Red Bull to join Mercedes. Though, the Dutchman has not publicly expressed such a desire yet. However, former FIA Steward Johnny Herbert reckons that Verstappen’s timeline is quite similar to Lewis Hamilton over a decade ago.
The reigning world champion is facing a difficult period at Milton Keynes. After four titles in a row, things seem to be falling apart with no relief in sight for Max Verstappen. This situation might seem similar to what Lewis Hamilton faced during his final season at McLaren in 2012.
Just like Verstappen, Hamilton had spent his entire career in the McLaren family till that point. The British driver was also facing a disastrous campaign that year, courtesy of McLaren’s performance and reliability issues. This is when late F1 legend Niki Lauda stepped in and tried to get him to join the Silver Arrows, a relatively new team in those times. After some lengthy discussions, Lewis Hamilton announced his switch to Brackley for 2013 and the rest is history.
Johnny Herbert was quite confident that the way Toto Wolff is holding discussions with Max Verstappen would be similar to what Niki Lauda did a decade ago. The Austrian billionaire would’ve shown the Red Bull star everything Mercedes has at its disposal for next year with the massive regulation changes. This could certainly be enough for Verstappen to make the switch considering the turmoil at Red Bull seems to have no end.
The discussions I would have thought that Toto and Max have had are probably very, very similar to what Niki Lauda had with Lewis when he was at McLaren and he got taken out of McLaren and brought over to Mercedes. Because I think Mercedes would have shown Max what they’ve got, what they believe they’re going to have for next year which will probably be the car to beat.
Johnny Herbert told Esportsbet
Max Verstappen being lured by Mercedes’ ‘little gold nugget’
The four-time world champion has always been a straightforward person who speaks his mind. Max Verstappen has asserted that he wants to continue fighting for the title in Formula 1. This will be the deciding factor over his future. Currently, the situation at Red Bull seems grim as the Dutchman has already given up on the current championship fight. Thus, the promises made by Mercedes could be enough to convince the Red Bull star.

Johnny Herbert insisted that Toto Wolff’s discussions would be nothing short of a gold nugget for the 27-year-old. Max Verstappen would be more than willing to consider this possibility if he truly is impressed by the Silver Arrows’ plans for the next era of Formula 1. Herbert reckoned that Toto Wolff was a smart man, who was simply downplaying his prospects in the media.
Now that would be for me, the little gold nugget that you would dangle in front of Max. And he would be wowed by what he’s being told. Toto says it’s all unlikely but that is classic Toto. There is more to it for sure.
Johnny Herbert added
Certainly, Max Verstappen is in a similar position to what Lewis Hamilton faced back at McLaren. An age old bond at a team is tarnished due to internal tensions and performance issues. While Hamilton’s gamble on the Silver Arrows paid off massively, making him one of the most successful drivers in the sport, Verstappen is yet to decide on this leap of faith.
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