The 2021 Formula 1 season is not even half over and the rumor mill is already simmering. Lewis Hamilton, at 36 years of age, is anything but a spring chicken. Although his current form says otherwise, the Brit knows he’ll have to hang up his boots at some point. Some suggestions are that Mercedes could look to Max Verstappen if Hamilton steps down.
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In February, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner made a confession about Verstappen. He knew the Dutchman would be a high priority on Mercedes’ shopping list when Hamilton leaves. Horner said, “I’m sure if Lewis decided to stop then of course Max would be the top driver, but they also have George Russell. Of course, they also have other drivers who are available to them. “
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The Red Bull team boss knows that Verstappen has a performance clause in his contract. He hopes, however, that it won’t come to that with his own team. This is especially important when you consider Red Bull’s future after deciding to start your own engine project.
How useful is it for Max Verstappen to switch to Mercedes?
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To be completely honest, it would have been a professional suicide to reunite Verstappen as Hamilton’s teammate. However, Mercedes could play the chip card and wait until the Briton retires. At the other end of the scale, there is a new problem to consider and that is the hopeful Mercedes-George Russell.
Formula 1 F1 – Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Baku City Circuit, Baku, Azerbaijan – June 5, 2021 Red Bulls Max Verstappen in action during practice REUTERS / Maxim Shemetov
Over here, there is potential for Verstappen and Russell to argue about driver status number one. In all honesty, none of the drivers are familiar with taking on the role of rear gunner. Hence, it will be very difficult for any of them to compromise. Even if Mercedes decides to let their drivers fight out, there is a certain amount of risk involved. More specifically, there is a possibility that the situation could turn into another Hamilton-Rosberg fiasco.
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