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Max Verstappen’s Mercedes Move labeled “Incredibly Stupid” despite Christian Horner’s Volatile Case

Published 03/05/2024, 9:19 AM EST

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The Formula 1 driver market is set for a transfer merry-go-round come the 2025 season, with the majority of driver contracts expiring. However, thanks to Lewis Hamilton, the driver market kerfuffle started even before the 2024 season began. His bombshell decision has had a great impact and the most affected party, Mercedes, has been flapping its hands around to search for Hamilton’s replacement. In their attempts to fill the gaping hole Hamilton will leave after the 2024 season, the boss Toto Wolff is weighing all the options and for him, even Max Verstappen is one. However, according to Hans-Joachim Stuck, it would be moronic on the Dutchmen’s end.

First, let’s talk about the Red Bull man and his chances of joining Mercedes from 2025 onwards. It would never have been a conversation had it not been for Red Bull’s boss, Christian Horner‘s prolonged and ongoing drama. Horner’s controversy has left a bad taste in a lot of mouths, including Jos Verstappen, who effectively accused Horner of playing the victim and demanded he vacate his post. This statement, coupled with Jos’s meeting with Toto Wolff, fanned the fire linking Verstappen to Mercedes.

via Reuters

However, leaving Red Bull, still the most dominant team on the grid because of the alleged actions of one man, would be stupid according to Stuck. Verstappen would be incredibly stupid if he did that, Stuck said in an exclusive interview with Eurosport.de“Red Bull is the best team, even if Horner were to leave,” (Translated via Google)

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F1 Rumor: Max Verstappen to Leave Red Bull to Join Mercedes Because of Christian Horner, Helmut Marko Concerned

A brutal snubbing of Toto Wolff and Co. by the German former racer. However, we doubt this scenario will now even materialize thanks to the precautionary measures taken by Horner after the Bahrain GP.

Christian Horner takes matters into his own hands to quash all rumors of a separation with Max Verstappen

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The Dutchman is still contracted with Red Bull until 2028. However, thanks to Toto Wolff’s, “Everything is possible,” comment, the rumors of Verstappen to Mercedes gathered much steam. To stop this incredibly unfavorable scenario become a reality, Horner took matters into his own hands.

via Reuters

According to reports, Horner sat with Verstappen’s representatives face-to-face in Dubai on Monday. The idea behind the meeting was to clear the air surrounding the controversy and get a vote of confidence on his starman’s future. Horner met with manager Raymond Vermeulen acting on the world champion’s behalf, with other Red Bull figures also present. A source also revealed the talks “went well”.

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WATCH THIS STORY: Max Verstappen’s Chaos Continues: Disqualified for Revenge, Triggers Chaos in Sim Race

Horner made sure he tied up all loose ends to stop this “incredibly stupid” idea in its tracks. Has he done enough? We’re not sure. However, do you think Verstappen will make this switch because of the ongoing drama?

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Written by:

Mahim Suhalka

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One take at a time

Mahim is a senior Formula 1 writer at EssentiallySports. With a Diploma in Sports Management, he ventured into sports journalism for his sheer passion for F1. Mahim has written over 2000 articles during his tenure at ES, and his expertise is in perspective pieces and core sports coverage.
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Edited by:

Akash Pandhare