Lewis Hamilton has admitted he's 'heard things here and there' amid suggestions Max Verstappen could leave Red Bull while the Christian Horner saga rumbles on.
The Briton is currently preparing for this weekend's Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, with the Stevenage-born racer looking to win a first race in two years.
Hamilton isn't currently the centre of attention, however.
Verstappen is in the spotlight at present amid the ongoing Horner situation, with the Red Bull star being linked with a sensational move away.
Lewis Hamilton has opened up on Max Verstappen as the Christian Horner saga continues to rumble on
SKY
Horner was recently cleared of misconduct by Red Bull. However, alleged text and WhatsApp messages sent by the 50-year-old have since leaked out.
Jos Verstappen recently criticised Horner, with the Dutchman accusing the Red Bull chief of 'playing the victim'.
He also said the team risks exploding should Horner continue to be team principal.
And Hamilton has now weighed in, with the Mercedes star suggesting Jos' comments 'weren't helpful'.
"I don't know the details of it," said the 39-year-old.
"So I don't know what he's basing these foundations off. But at the end of the day, he's not a part of the team, he's a parent. And so that's just an opinion, but it's definitely not helpful."
Hamilton then proceeded to admit he had 'heard things here and there' about Verstappen's father.
"I think it is a very thin line to walk," Hamilton added.
"I think it's also dependent on your relationship with your parent.
"You meet some people who have a great relationship with their parents, and they've been amazing parents, and then you've got people that have had bad relationships.
"And this is not necessarily parents that have been good to them. So I don't know about his [Verstappen's] relationships.
"Obviously, you hear things here and there.
"But Max is a grown man, and he's a champion, and I'm sure he can make his own decisions.
"But I think in our world, as drivers, it's very, very easy to be misled by people whispering in your ear, and perhaps not guiding you always the right way.
"I'm not saying it's the case there, because they're doing great.
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Christian Horner remains in the spotlight despite Red Bull clearing the Briton of misconduct
GETTY
"But I know in sports, other athletes that I've spoken to that I see, whether it's in tennis, and I've experienced it when you sometimes don't have the right guidance around you, it leads to you either making the wrong decisions or not being able to perhaps be the best at what you do.
"But that's obviously clearly not the case there, he's performing well.
"So it is very difficult because you want your parent to be your parent, and have a good relationship.
"But when business is involved, it makes it really difficult."
Verstappen himself, meanwhile, has defended his father following his outburst - insisting Jos is 'not a liar'.
Max Verstappen is being linked with a move away from Red Bull and Lewis Hamilton has 'heard things' about his father
GETTY
"I have not asked him that but my dad, from how I know him in go-karting, is very outspoken and he is not a liar, that is for sure," he said.
"My dad and I are very close. We call every day."
