Imagine Red Bull bringing Max Verstappen onto the driver market today – the enthusiasm would be unimaginable! There is no denying that almost all racing teams would try to lure the Dutchman, possibly including Mercedes.
DISPLAY
The article continues below this ad
Before the 2021 season, there were even rumors that Verstappen could possibly replace Lewis Hamilton if he decides not to extend his contract. And Verstappen would have at least considered an offer from Mercedes, if only because of their dominance in F1 at the moment.
Switching to Mercedes was therefore always an option for Verstappen; Those talks only lasted until the 2021 British Grand Prix, however, when things took a wild turn.
DISPLAY
The article continues below this ad
Red Bull’s allegations
The accident at the celebrations after the race at Silverstone and Mercedes annoyed Verstappen, who was in hospital at the time and was being treated. Lewis Hamilton won the race and celebrated the home win with a British flag. Red Bull, on the other hand, could do nothing but stare at rivals as they embraced their triumph.
Formula 1 F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – December 11, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates after qualifying in the pole position pool over REUTERS / Kamran Jebreili
As a result, words like bullets came from Red Bull employees; Jos Verstappen admitted that moving to Mercedes was off the table because of the disrespect they showed when his son was in hospital after suffering a life-threatening accident suffered by the Mercedes driver.
Soon Dr. Helmut Marko, that from now on, Verstappen would rather take a taxi than sit in a Mercedes.
View story: Lewis Hamilton’s biggest F1 crashes
Max Verstappen denies disrespect for Mercedes
Just weeks after winning the championship against the driver who caused the incident, Verstappen denied making comments disrespecting the Brackley outfit.
DISPLAY
The article continues below this ad
During an interview with Servus TV, the Dutchman was reminded of his own statements that he would not get into a Mercedes and would rather take a taxi. But did he really say that?
Formula 1 F1 – United States Grand Prix – Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, USA – October 24, 2021 Red Bulls Max Verstappen celebrates on the podium after winning the race with second place Mercedes Lewis Hamilton REUTERS / Brian Snyder TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Well, the world champion contradicted the statement with a laugh. “I didn’t say that, no no no,” he replied.
DISPLAY
The article continues below this ad
Overall, it looks like the equation between Verstappen and Mercedes is actually fixable. And with Mercedes facing a dire situation two months ahead amid the Hamilton retirement rumors, they would certainly wish to have a driver like Verstappen as a possible replacement. How do you think the Hamilton retirement saga will play out?
DIVE DEEPER
Did you enjoy reading this article? Download our exclusive app for 24×7 coverage, latest memes and social media banter. Click here to download.
