Chain reaction caused by Verstappen?
Mega contract poker is driving the entire Formula 1 crazy
April 3, 2024, 6:05 p.m
Does he stay? Is he going? The speculation surrounding Max Verstappen is the hottest topic in Formula 1. It also depends on the world champion which other drivers will be under contract and where next year. And then there’s a four-time F1 champion named Sebastian Vettel.
Max Verstappen is happy. “I always enjoy being here,” says the world champion about Suzuka, the cult circuit in the shape of an “8” is one of his absolute favorite routes. “Old school,” says Verstappen, who now wants to fight back in Japan after his exit in Australia. And into the race as favorite (Sunday, 7 a.m. CEST/Sky and in the live ticker on ntv.de) goes. Only the questions about his future are likely to get on Verstappen’s nerves again.
Does he stay? Is he going? The speculation about Verstappen is still the hottest topic in Formula 1. After the affair surrounding team boss Christian Horner, the Dutchman’s stay at Red Bull is not considered certain due to an exit clause despite a contract until 2028. And: Not only the team bosses around Toto Wolff are waiting to see what Verstappen does, but also many colleagues. After all, the most sought-after cockpit jobs depend on the decision of the industry leader. And even Sebastian Vettel could get involved again.
“Max Verstappen is always an issue and will always remain an issue,” said Mercedes boss Wolff recently on Sky. For the Silver Arrows, Verstappen is at the top of the list as the successor to Lewis Hamilton (at Ferrari from 2025). Aston Martin is also said to be interested. Verstappen is without question the most important piece of the puzzle in the driver market; the future of other drivers also depends on his decision. For example, what will happen to Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) and Sergio Perez (Red Bull)? Will Vettel return next year?
Sainz “still without a job”
“You never know where life will take you, maybe it will bring me back behind the wheel, maybe not,” Vettel told British TV channel Sky News. It is “possibly” on the market for the 2025 season since it does not have a cockpit. But the question is whether he is “looking for one. I think it depends on the package.” The 36-year-old may be considered a candidate for the Hamilton legacy with the Silver Arrows.
“I’m still without a job for next year,” said Sainz, who will be replaced at Ferrari by Hamilton and last won in Australia. “That will help,” says Sainz, who could succeed Verstappen at Red Bull if he were to leave. Alonso is also traded with the world champion team, as well as with Mercedes. “I’m probably attractive to other teams,” said the Spaniard confidently. Although Alonso is already 42 years old, he is still only one of three world champions on the starting grid.
In any case, the poker of the “Silly Season” has long since begun, neither the drivers nor the team bosses are showing too much of their cards. “We want to put together the best possible team of drivers. Sometimes you have to think outside the box to do that,” said Horner, who may have two jobs available next year. Because: Perez does not yet have a contract for 2025.
Toto Wolff is playing for time
Wolff is also playing for time. The Austrian knows that timing is also important when courting Verstappen, but the manager still has to prepare for all options. And so Wolff wants to “continue to monitor the market”. In addition to Verstappen, Alonso, Sainz or Formula 2 young hopeful Kimi Antonelli could also be an option.
One thing is clear: everything depends on what Verstappen does. In Japan, the only thing that matters to the world champion is to hit back: “I’m looking forward to getting back in the car and fighting for victory.”