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Verstappen to Mercedes? Why that is not impossible
- Ludo van Denderen
For years, it was speculated, but it never materialised. Lewis Hamilton was a Mercedes man who was set to remain active for the German racing team until his retirement. Yet the Briton is switching to Ferrari after the current season. Unexpected? Very. Understandable? Likewise. Max Verstappen seems fused with Red Bull Racing, the team with which the Dutchman is enjoying great success. An early farewell to the Austrians seemed unimaginable for years. But is that still the case?
Auto, Motor und Sport now know for sure: Max Verstappen is the leading candidate to get the vacant seat next to George Russell at Mercedes. The fact Toto Wolff is thinking of Verstappen as Hamilton's successor is completely understandable. Every team boss wants to have the best possible driver in his car. Without a doubt, that is currently Max Verstappen.
Verstappen would not rule out a departure
One complicating factor, however, is that Verstappen has a contract at Red Bull until 2028. An agreement was signed after his first world title two seasons ago. Back then, the Dutchman still said he could well imagine ending his F1 career at Red Bull Racing. But times are changing. Since the death of Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz, things have been unsettled within the team, with the case surrounding team boss Christian Horner as the provisional low point. What if Horner still leaves soon? Will Adrian Newey join him? Helmut Marko is reportedly taking into account that the team is falling apart.
Smart as he is, Max Verstappen is publicly keeping everything quiet. Nevertheless, rumours are already trickling in that father Jos Verstappen is no longer ruling out a departure. The only team that could then be an option is Mercedes. Yes, it is a team with which Max Verstappen has clashed several times - on and off the track - in recent years. But in Formula 1, feuds can be settled quickly, especially if it benefits both parties.
Schumacher preceded Verstappen
It may seem impossible for Verstappen to leave Red Bull Racing behind anytime soon. Yet, in the past, for example, Michael Schumacher did something similar. He chose to leave Benetton in the 1990s and try his luck at Ferrari. On the face of it, it was a remarkable choice, and the partnership was certainly not successful in the first few years. Yet in the longer term, Schumacher reaped the rewards: he became champion five times with Ferrari.
Mercedes is not currently the team of choice in Formula 1, but a significant rule change is coming in less than two years. No one will be surprised if Mercedes are again the team to beat then. On the other hand, Red Bull will have to wait and see how the project with their self-developed Red Bull Powertrains turns out. F1 history has shown that every new engine supplier faces teething problems in the early stages.
The turmoil in and around Red Bull could be another reason for Verstappen to opt for a departure. And who knows: Verstappen in his current form would certainly not be without a chance for race wins, even the world title, with Mercedes' W15. Nevertheless, the Dutchman might miss out on a world championship in 2025. But Verstappen will also play the long game, especially with all the turmoil and uncertainties around him.