The top men at Mercedes are predicting a bright future for Max Verstappen. Although earlier linked with a move to silver, 20-year-old Verstappen recently extended his stay at Red Bull through 2020.
"Max is the hot new guy," quadruple world champion Lewis Hamilton told De Telegraaf newspaper. "There's a big hype around him but the best way to end it is to keep beating him," he added. Hamilton said Verstappen is not yet as good as himself or Sebastian Vettel, "but Max has incredible skills. I think that in 10 years time he will be as good as we are now."
Speaking to Italy's Corriere della Sera, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff agrees: "Verstappen can be the next superstar. But first he has to complete his development process and combine the talent that he has already with the ability to develop a car." (GMM)
Replies (5)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Again, if he has so much potential, hire him. This is what, the third, fourth time you say this about a driver, and yet I dont exactly see you chase any of them with burning ambition and ass?
MosyB
Posts: 324
it is all about preparation for future contract signing...
DutchTreath
Posts: 5,058
I agree with @MosyB. They (Mercedes) want him for the future. So they play it smart and work on this process already to make Max warm for the idea joining Mercedes in the future. That's also the reason why Mercedes want to give Bottas a contract till 2020. You never know what can happen and what kind of clauses Max have in his contract. Fact is, that RBR could be the right choice for next year and the years beyond, but it can also be a disappointment for Max. The future will tell.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Im not as sure. It could be greasing up the wheel, but they hardly need that. They already do that behind the scenes, and as the team with the best car, they really dont need much greasing anyway. This sounds more like blabber. Or are you saying they want Ricciardo aswell? They can only have two drivers, and Hamilton doesnt seem keen on quitting anytime soon.
boudy
Posts: 1,168
It all depends on the powerunit that Redbull has in 2019. If that is comparative with the leading pu than he might stay. Otherwise he will move to Ferrari. Don't forget he drove their winter series in the US.