F1 News: Karun Chandhok Comments On Max Verstappen's Rumoured Move To Mercedes
In a surprising twist to the F1 rumour mill, Max Verstappen has been linked with a potential move to Mercedes, sparked by unrest within Red Bull. Karun Chandhok, a respected figure in the motorsport world and former F1 driver, has shared his insights, doubting such a move would materialise in the near future.
Key takeaways:
- Karun Chandhok, now an analyst with Sky Sports F1, casts doubt on Max Verstappen leaving Red Bull for Mercedes amidst current speculations.
- The speculation arises from Jos Verstappen's critical comments about Red Bull's team dynamics and leadership under Christian Horner.
- Chandhok suggests Red Bull is focusing on resolving internal conflicts to retain Verstappen.
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The Formula 1 community was abuzz with speculation after allegations against Christian Horner came to light ahead of the season start. This story has since spread and engulfed the sport in a fire that shows no signs of abating, especially after it was confirmed that the female colleague allegedly involved in the drama has since been dismissed with full pay.
As one might expect, the Milton Keynes team is fighting against the resulting backlash from endless rumours and unverified evidence. But questions are arising as to who may drop out and join a team not caught up in such negativity.
One name recently hit headlines in the form of Adrian Newey. The CTO of the energy drinks team has seen huge success due to his and his teams' work under the current regulations. But could the scene that Red Bull currently finds itself in see him move to the likes of Mercedes?
The focus suddenly turned to Max Verstappen after it was revealed his father, Jos, had a few stern words about his son's boss, Horner.
"There is tension here while he remains in position,' he told the Daily Mail. "The team is in danger of being torn apart. It can't go on the way it is. It will explode.
"He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems."
Max was keen to extinguish the retort from fans:
“I guess he [Jos] clearly felt like that. But from my side, it doesn’t matter being on one side or the other side,” he admitted.
“As a son of my dad’s it would be weird to be on a different side [than him]. But I just want to focus on the performance side of things and have less talk of what we are doing outside of the track than actual performance. We have a great car and look forward to a great year."
Despite him showing solidarity with his team, widespread speculation has continued on his future with the reigning championship team.
Chandhok, speaking from Sky Sports F1, weighed in on the situation, offering a measured perspective.
"Jos Verstappen’s first loyalty is going to lie with his son. He and ultimately, above everything else, as a father, wants what's best for Max.
"What's best for Max is to have him in the best car possible, winning lots of world championships, and carrying on this journey that he's on at the moment.
"So, despite all of the stuff that came out, and it exploded all over the internet on Monday, I don't believe that Max is looking to go to Mercedes."
As we saw earlier this season with Lewis Hamilton's surprise move to Ferrari, nothing is impossible. But it is highly unlikely that Verstappen will leave a tried and tested machine to go to a team struggling for podiums.
"I think they're trying to just focus attention back on track," he finished.