But, if Hamilton doesn’t sign, it’s feasible he’ll be earmarked as a potential replacement along with George Russell.
Meanwhile, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner thinks Verstappen is the best F1 driver out there at present – and thinks George Russell has proved his point.
“Yes, I think he is the best, and George Russell’s performance at Mercedes confirmed that for me,” he said.
He then added: “Max and Lewis stand out for me, but although we should definitely not be blind to what Hamilton has achieved, he does have a good package at his disposal.
“That while Max has to get more out of his car.
“At Mercedes, a Williams driver can qualify himself directly on the front row and Russell almost won the race.