Mercedes won the first race of the season despite having the second best car on the grid. In many ways, seven years of racing experience at the top and an at all costs winning mentality helped.
It is this mentality that could make Mercedes an attractive offer for Max Verstappen if, according to Damon Hill, Red Bull cannot keep up with the German team.
Christian Horner recently announced that Max Verstappen will be at the top of the Mercedes driver list. Hill also said it could be the other way around.
“Yeah, and I think Mercedes will be at the top of Max’s list too,” Hill told Autocar. “He’s been very loyal to Red Bull, but when they can’t offer the competitiveness he needs … time is ticking.”
“He was the youngest F1 winner in 2016, but has not yet been able to fight for a championship. That will come to his mind. “
Hamilton has to sign a longer contract with Mercedes
Hill believes that the possibility of a move from Verstappen to Mercedes was further enhanced by Hamilton’s signing of a one-year contract. Hill believes Hamilton will have to close the deal as soon as possible and not wait because Mercedes may look elsewhere if they get the chance.
“Everyone has this in mind:” When do I have to stop racing and will I know when is the right time to stop? “Added Hill. The question is whether he will be in a stronger negotiating position later this year, and in the past it would be said that he likely will be.
“But we saw what happened to Michael [Schumacher] at Ferrari, where you think they’ll be waiting for me. The problem is, Mercedes won’t and can’t. “
“This is the trap and I would be careful. Assuming you are indispensable is risky. “
The contract negotiations between Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes were postponed this season and in the end both parties could only agree on a one-year contract. Many experts believe that this step was comparable to kicking the can, as the two parties had not yet reached an agreement.
Will Mercedes try to put Max Verstappen in one of their cars with Hamilton, who only has a one-year contract? Of course, it’s a no-brainer that when Hamilton is no longer part of the team, the Verstappen option is the best for Mercedes.
Published 05 Apr 2021, 14:42 IST
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The post Verstappen will keep an eye on Mercedes: Damon Hill first appeared on monter-une-startup.
