Christian Danner, former Formula 1 driver, thinks the Mercedes team should seriously consider bringing Max Verstappen to Brackley. The Dutchman’s contract with Red Bull Racing, which does not expire until the end of 2028, should not be an obstacle for Mercedes. After all, the German racing team must strive to attract the best driver. In Danner’s eyes, that is Verstappen at the moment.
Due to the impending departure of Hamilton, Mercedes will be short of a driver for 2025. Several names have already been mentioned and team boss Toto Wolff has indicated that the team may make surprising choices. The name that comes up most is the name of Alexander Albon. However, the Thai driver has a contract until the end of 2025, but Albon has not completely ruled out a switch.
According to Danner, it does not necessarily matter whether a driver has a contract somewhere or not. Since the drivers’ salaries do not fall under the budget ceiling, the German racing team also has to think big in his eyes. “It should only be about whether a driver is a reinforcement or not,” Danner told Sport Bild. ‘There should be no legal or financial obstacles. Age doesn’t matter at all. The same applies to contracts.’
‘Any driver who is at the level of the Silver Arrows must be an option. That’s why Mercedes should also think about Max Verstappen! Verstappen would of course be the best solution for Mercedes’, is the former driver’s opinion. Wolff also recently indicated that the Red Bull driver will certainly also be considered. However, the question is whether Verstappen is interested in a switch. Helmut Marko has already slammed the door and the relationship between Mercedes and Verstappen has soured over the years.
Hamilton’s departure offers Mercedes an opportunity
An important period was already approaching at Mercedes, but it has become even more important with the departure of Hamilton. The team wants to compete for titles again and the racing team must prove that it can still be competitive. ‘Hamilton’s departure will of course hurt Mercedes – but it could also be an opportunity. The luck of Wolff and his team is that they can discuss a successor for months. And with George Russell they already have a driver who can carry the team on his shoulders,” said Danner.
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