Max Verstappen has made waves ever since he has become a part of the premier class. The super talented teenager who broke all the age category records was well sought after as well. In the end, it was Red Bull who had an ace up their sleeves and signed the then-16-year-old. However, there was a lot of competition for Verstappen’s signature and Red Bull pulled out all the stops to beat Mercedes.
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However, back in the day, the Mercedes boss refused to see it as a loss for the team. Rumors had it that Dr. Helmut Marko promised the young Verstappen a regular seat from the 2015 championship season. Something Mercedes boss couldn’t do. Or rather, something Mercedes boss wouldn’t have done.
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Regardless, it was Red Bull’s gamble that worked. In 2014, Jos Verstappen claimed, “We simply had the impression that Red Bull could offer us the most.” [Translated by Google]
However, the Mercedes boss refused to look at the whole scenario in a negative light. “I don’t see us as losers. Because, firstly, our own youth program is still being set up, and secondly, the racing cockpits were occupied. I appreciate father and son Verstappen. The boy undoubtedly has plenty of talent and it will be exciting for the whole of Formula 1 that such a young man can drive Grands Prix,” said Toto Wolff.
And as we all know, that young 16-year-old later went on to deny Mercedes man, Lewis Hamilton, his record-breaking eighth title.
DIVE DEEPER
A promise of a seat after just one year into Formula racing was too enticing for Jos and Max Verstappen. Regardless of losing out on the young prodigy, the Brackley outfit had a powerful driver pairing and an incredible championship run.
However, where does the young boy stand now in terms of joining Mercedes?
Max Verstappen will never drive for Mercedes. But how about Ferrari?
The Dutchman already has a valid contract with Red Bull that will see him race for the team until 2028. However, after 2028, the Dutchman might look for a change.
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Formula One F1 – United States Grand Prix – Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, U.S. – October 20, 2022 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc ahead of the United States Grand Prix REUTERS/Ricardo Arduengo
According to fellow Dutch racing driver Tom Coronel, Verstappen will never join Mercedes after the events of the 2021 season. The battle between the two teams spilled over and they sullied the relationship forever.
However, Ferrari might allure the Dutchman as listeners of the RN365 podcast voted to see Verstappen in Ferrari red. “But Ferrari on the other hand… then I think 49% is even low,” said Coronel for the RN365 F1 podcast poll. [Translated by Google]
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WATCH THIS STORY: Max Verstappen set for huge new Red Bull deal, reported to be worth over $53 million per year
This is according to the listeners of RN365 F1 podcast. Where do you want to see Verstappen end his career after 2028?
Did you miss our previous article...
https://formulaone.news/mercedes/relentless-american-legend-mario-andretti-sends-thunderous-fourworded-warning-to-f1-grid
