LUSAIL CITY, QATAR – OCTOBER 06: Max Verstappen, from the Netherlands, driver for Oracle Red Bull Racing (C), George Russell, from Great Britain, driver for Mercedes (L), and Lewis Hamilton, from Great Britain, driver for Mercedes (R), attend the press conference after qualifying for the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Qatar at the Lusail International Circuit on October 06, 2023 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
A month of internal conflicts involving all key figures of the Red Bull team, including team principal Christian Horner, long-time advisor Helmut Marko, Jos Verstappen, and an unidentified team member, raised numerous concerns about Max’s future in the organization.
The issue, Jos Verstappen, was reportedly involved in a heated discussion with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff before turning against Horner and triggering an internal war within the team.
Instead of being crushed by the metaphorical “bus” Jos threw at Horner, it appears Horner has regained his leadership position, while Marko managed to keep his job, and Verstappen’s father was ousted from the team for obvious reasons.
As a result, a confused Verstappen finds himself trying to align with both sides and making all the wrong statements. He initially refused to rule out speculation about Mercedes before securing a dominant victory in the powerful Red Bull RB20, which many consider the best Formula 1 car in history, after just two races.
In contrast, Mercedes seemed far from competitive, failing to grasp the F1 aerodynamic regulations in the past three years. On the other hand, RBR’s Adrian Newey and his design team have consistently excelled in this area.
According to credible media reports, there are speculations that Verstappen may leave the consistently successful Red Bull team (due to his father’s exclusion from the RB paddock and garage) and join Mercedes, which is currently in disarray. Although this may seem unthinkable, Max has not denied these rumors.
During an interview with OCB Scores, Fisichella commented on the situation: “We cannot say for sure if Max will join Mercedes, either next year or in the future. It would be foolish to leave the best team with the best car for another team. However, everything is possible in Formula 1 and in life. No one expected to see Lewis Hamilton leave Mercedes and end up striking a deal with Ferrari. It was completely unexpected.”
Fisichella also highlighted the financial incentives of staying at Red Bull, suggesting that Mercedes may offer a similar or even higher salary. Given Verstappen’s current position as a driver of a winning car, the question arises of why he would choose to move to another team.
The Italian also expressed his opinions on who could potentially replace Hamilton and become George Russell’s teammate in 2025: “I have some names in mind when it comes to replacing Hamilton. It could be Fernando Alonso, it could be Daniel Ricciardo, or maybe Kimi Antonelli.
“They may consider a rookie like Antonelli, but I believe that selecting an experienced driver like Fernando Alonso for one or two years would be a wise choice. He is still incredibly fast, delivering some of the best performances of his career, and brings a wealth of experience.”
“Antonelli would have the support of George Russell, who has spent more years in Formula 1, but with Ricciardo, there is a lot of experience. He has been driving for many years and is now back, as long as he can go through extensive testing and driving this year without any issues, then he would be a strong contender for the Mercedes seat,” Fisichella stated.
Russell is seen as the natural successor to Hamilton as the number one driver at Mercedes. He earned his place in the German team after proving his worth at Williams, fulfilling all the necessary requirements to become the team leader.
The possible arrival of Verstappen could disrupt these well-established succession plans, according to Fisichella: “Working with Max could be challenging for George, but it could also be beneficial for him. Last year, he even outperformed Hamilton on some occasions, and having another demanding teammate could drive him even further.”
Finally, Hamilton’s last year with Mercedes could be tough if the first two races of the 2024 Formula 1 season are any indication, the Italian predicts: “Knowing that you will be in another team at the end of the season can be a bit strange. This could serve as a distraction for Hamilton, but he knows what he needs to do. He must focus on each race, give his best, and maintain maximum concentration,” explained Fisichella, a veteran of 229 starts in Grand Prix races, with three wins to his name.
© 2024
Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen secured an impressive victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday. Verstappen, from the Red Bull Racing team, surpassed his rivals and led the race from start to finish, securing the top spot on the podium. Verstappen’s win closes the season brilliantly and puts an exclamation point on his exceptional campaign this year.
The race in Abu Dhabi was thrilling from the start. Verstappen started in pole position and didn’t give his competitors any chances. He showed skill and determination, maintaining the lead in every lap. Formula 1 fans were excited by the impressive performance of the young Dutch driver.
The Red Bull Racing team also had reasons to celebrate. In addition to Verstappen’s victory, his teammate Sergio Perez finished in third place, completing a double podium for the team. This achievement highlights the strength and competitiveness of Red Bull Racing this season.
The 2024 Formula 1 season was full of emotions and twists. Verstappen showcased his skill and talent in various races, achieving multiple victories throughout the year. His consistency and determination have placed him as one of the top drivers in the category.
With the end of the season, Formula 1 fans are already looking forward to the next one. The competition promises to be even fiercer, with drivers and teams aiming to surpass Verstappen and Red Bull Racing. It will be interesting to see how the 2025 season unfolds and what surprises await us.
Overall, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was an exciting and action-packed event. Verstappen once again proved why he is considered one of the best Formula 1 drivers currently. His victory is a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport. Fans are certainly eager to see what the future holds for Verstappen and for Formula 1 as a whole.
