Stake F1 driver Valtteri Bottas is convinced Max Verstappen has not "burned any bridges" with Mercedes as rumours of a switch from Red Bull continue to circulate.
The three-time world champion is contracted to Red Bull until at least the end of 2028 having made his debut for the team at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix.
But recent turmoil within the Milton Keynes-based outfit - triggered by allegations made against team principal Christian Horner - has seen Verstappen's father Jos and motorsport advisor Helmut Marko, to whom the Dutchman has sworn loyalty, become embroiled in the saga.
This has seen suggestions that Verstappen could be on the lookout for a move and, with Mercedes holding a vacant seat following the announcement that Lewis Hamilton would make the switch to Ferrari, an unlikely pairing could be made.
Verstappen and Red Bull were bitter rivals for the Silver Arrows and Hamilton in 2021 when the duo fought for the title and, having also been involved in the fiery season-long battle, Bottas was asked whether seeing the proposed move would be strange.
"I don't think so because in the end, it's racing, it is tough competition," Bottas told media including RacingNews365.
"That's F1, that's normal. There are always rivalries but I don't think he has burned any bridges anywhere and I think any team would like him."
Despite Red Bull's off-track turmoil, Verstappen and teammate Sergio Perez have impressed on the circuit with two one-two finishes from two races to start the season.
With this in mind, Bottas conceded: "I personally wouldn't see why he would like to leave Red Bull
"It is clearly the fastest car on the grid but I don't know all the details."
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