Could Verstappen Really Make the Move to Mercedes?
The drama of this F1 season has already been, as expected, the most dramatic of all sports - it's known as the F1 silly season, and it's already well underway. You've got 18-year-old Bearman filling in for appendicitis-stricken Sainz and scoring points, Horner under investigation for inappropriate behavior with a female staff member, and Marko making inappropriate comments, as always.
But the question we're all most interested in is this - Hamilton is out, Verstappen is less than impressed with the drama Horner is creating, and even making hints that a move could be on the cards if the Red Bull infrastructure falls apart. And it's on the edge of falling apart.
But, really, a move to Mercedes? Do you think it's possible? Let's explore.
Verstappen's Allegiance
Max Verstappen has an allegiance to Red Bull - or at least, they will hope he does. He came from the Red Bull academy and, at 17, pretty much became the number one driver instantly by famously winning the Barcelona GP before even getting his driver's licence (a rule F1 has now changed).
Still, it was iconic. And yes, some people will say he's only so good because of the car. But if Formula 1 were to demand all cars be almost equal, he'd still win. His talent is almost godly (we're not Red Bull fans - he's just good).
His contract is until 2028 but faces its biggest test amidst the team's current internal strife. Apparently, there's a clause in his contract that'll allow him to leave. Some say there are two - one clause for the car's performance and one for members of the Red Bull team no longer being there.
Verstappen has hinted that this individual is Marko, and Mercedes are trying to poach them both.
Controversial, if you ask us - Marko is a PR hazard.
Mercedes Eyes Verstappen
Of course, Mercedes will have the eyes for Verstappen - any team would. Well, they do. Toto Wolff said Mercedes would do handstands to have Verstappen. For Mercedes, a driver lineup of Russell and Verstappen is (sorry, Hamilton) better than their current one. And Russell and Verstappen are friends. No doubt, that friendship would be tested if they compete for the championship, something Mercedes will look to achieve next season.
Could you see Verstappen moving to Mercedes if they weren't dominant? Well, you could argue that another season of an exciting turn-one and then a boring race leading out front won't keep Verstappen entertained.
It certainly isn't keeping the fans entertained, with many people jokingly putting a sticker over Verstappen's name and pretending the second in the race is first, and so on. It's pretty boring, to be honest. It's nothing on the dramatic season of 2021. Maybe Verstappen wouldn't mind being further back if it meant a challenge, some battles, and some fun.
Verstappen's Career Crossroads
Max Verstappen must be at a crossroads. And now everyone thinks he'll soon be at the point of making a decision. People have taken Markos' comments of him and Verstappen staying at Red Bull "for the moment" as implying it's only for now. Something is happening behind the scenes. And we all know Jos is less than impressed with Horner, saying Red Bull will explode if Horner stays at the helm. And it would seem he is staying at the helm.
But do we think a move will happen next season? It would make the sport more interesting, but we don't think it'll happen. Not in 2025. Will it happen at some point? Undeniably, and bring on the day it does, Formula 1 will become interesting again.
The Verstappen-to-Mercedes saga is one of the most exciting of the silly season. Love or hate him, Verstappen at Mercedes will be an iconic era for the team and Verstappen. They're not sworn enemies like the media portrayed - it was simply two rivals going head to head in one of the most interesting F1 seasons to date. Looking back, Mercedes always knows how to create a drama-filled season, and so does the feisty and almost controversially tactical Verstappen with his 'dirty' tactics.
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