F1 News: Max Verstappen's Mercedes Move "Is Pretty Close To A Done Deal" - Insider
Former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert has intimated that Max Verstappen's transition to Mercedes is almost confirmed. According to Herbert, discussions between Verstappen and the Mercedes team have advanced significantly.
Key Takeaways:
- Max Verstappen's move to Mercedes is reportedly nearing completion, as per Johnny Herbert's insights.
- Tensions within Red Bull, highlighted by Jos Verstappen's criticisms, might be influencing Max's potential departure.
- Mercedes, seeking a successor for Lewis Hamilton, views Verstappen as a prime candidate amidst the ongoing internal discord at Red Bull.
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The Formula 1 paddock is rife with whispers of a major shift on the horizon, with Max Verstappen at the heart of the speculation. Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has recently shed light on what might be one of the most significant transfers in recent F1 history, suggesting that Verstappen's move to Mercedes is on the verge of being sealed. Herbert commented to BetIdeas.com:
"I hear it is pretty close to a done deal, brokered between Max and Mercedes. Is it a power play by the Verstappen team? Possibly.
"I don’t think it is the best scenario for Max. Mercedes have struggled for the last three years and still haven’t got a good car. The whole shenanigans are ripping Red Bull apart, as Jos Verstappen has said. It is ripping the team apart to the extent they might well lose their biggest asset. And that is not Christian Horner. That is Max Verstappen."
The notion of Verstappen departing Red Bull has been further complicated by the internal strife within the team. Critiques from Max's father, Jos Verstappen, about the team's atmosphere under the leadership of Christian Horner have added fuel to the speculative fire. Herbert echoed these sentiments, pointing out the detrimental impact these tensions could have on the team's cohesion. Herbert continued:
"He is the one who is binding everything together to allow the team to achieve what they have done over the past couple of years."