Hamilton on Verstappen-Mercedes rumours: 'I'd race with you!'

Lewis Hamilton says he would have no qualms racing alongside Max Verstappen at Mercedes as rumours continue to swirl around the Red Bull star.

Red Bull's home race has arrived with intense rumours about Verstappen's contract, and the performance clauses that exist within it.

Dr Helmut Marko and Verstappen's manager have been forced to confirm the existence of exit clauses, which would allow Verstappen to leave Red Bull next year if certain terms are not met.

Marca reported that Red Bull need Verstappen to win before the summer break in order to guarantee him staying in 2020 – just four races remain, with Red Bull struggling to get to grips with Honda and the 2019 regulations.

Other reports have suggested that Verstappen and Red Bull's performance in the drivers' and constructors' championship respectively could also allow him to leave.

With Valtteri Bottas only contracted at Mercedes to the end of 2019, the Silver Arrows appear to be the most likely landing spot if Verstappen is on the market.

Although Hamilton has regularly talked up his partnership with Bottas, he says he would welcome Verstappen to the team if a change was made.

"It's the first I've heard of it," Hamilton said. "I think the team's pretty happy with Valtteri and me.

"So I do know Max is definitely interested in opportunities. I don't know, maybe. If there is, then great."

Turning to Verstappen, he added: "I don't mind driving with you. I'll drive against whoever."

Verstappen was asked about the clauses in his contract but unsurprisingly remained tight-lipped about the situation.

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