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Verstappen not interested in Hamilton rumours: 'Not my problem'
Max Verstappen expects the necessary opposition this weekend in Monaco. The Red Bull Racing driver needs to be at his best not only on Sunday, but especially on Saturday when qualifying is on the programme. Ferrari, Mercedes, and Aston Martin; all have a chance of getting a good result in the narrow streets of the principality, according to Verstappen. Verstappen also discusses Mercedes' updates and rumours regarding Lewis Hamilton's future.
What can Mercedes do?
Mercedes comes with the biggest update package so far. The German racing stable is moving away from the 'zero sidepod' concept. Verstappen is not so sure what to expect from Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. "That's really difficult to tell. I mean, I think for them, as well as for us, to understand the whole new concept. I don't know where it's going to put them."
Whereas Ferrari is waiting to make updates until the Spanish Grand Prix, Mercedes does introduce its new parts ahead of time in Monaco. That also has drawbacks, as the circuit is pretty a-typical. Whether Verstappen thinks Mercedes' choice is wise? "I would always put it on the car as soon as possible. Because you learn always more than leaving it in the garage and not using it."
Verstappen on Hamilton
The news reports about a possible switch from Hamilton to Ferrari have not escaped the 25-year-old two-time world champion either. But Verstappen is not at all interested in where Lewis drives in 2024. "It's not my problem. It's his decision. But I think he feels really happy at Mercedes. I mean, they've won a lot together. Maybe it's good [the rumours] because it ups the price a bit at the Mercedes side as well to pay him."