This generation witnessed the biggest on-track war in 2021 when Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen fought tooth and nail to win the 2021 world title. The fight went on till the last lap after Nicholas Latifi crashed and Michael Masi’s “human error” deprived Lewis of his 8th title and awarded Max his first. We had witnessed the Hollywoodesque showdown which gave rise to polarising opinions and fandoms, but as it stands, the sportsman spirit took the forefront in this Hamilton-Verstappen saga. Let us take a look at why.
In his quest up till his 3rd title and going on to fourth, Verstappen has been in blazing form and it is predicted that if this continues, he might shatter all ceilings, including the one on which Lewis Hamilton is resting. The 7x champion has a record of 103 wins and 104 pole positions. And there is no denying the fact that these numbers are worthy of drawing praise, even from his rivals. And Max Verstappen has done just that.
Max Verstappen, in an interview with Daily Mail, said, “Without a doubt, Lewis is up there as one of the best in history. I have no need or desire to deny that. Consistency is key to staying at your best level. It’s not so hard when you have so much talent, you don’t need so much effort, and the way in which he has managed his World Cups is very commendable. He made the difference at the right moment.”
Formula One F1 – United States Grand Prix – Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, U.S. – October 24, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates on the podium after winning the race with second place Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Max expressed in conclusion, stating, “I don’t think we have a difficult relationship at all. It’s quite simple. It’s just that with other drivers, I have a closer relationship. It all depends on the way you live your life and maybe we are not so similar in that aspect. It is clear. We will have a great rivalry in 2021, but at the end of the day, we have great respect for each other.”
But this is not all that is odd and something the rivals’ fandoms couldn’t have accepted, if reports are to be believed Max can step into Lewis’ shoes very soon.
After denying Lewis Hamilton the privilege, Mercedes set to make an offer Max Verstappen cannot refuse
Lewis Hamilton was denied the ambassador role in Mercedes, as he had made his intentions clear of staying in and around the sport after his retirement. It is understood that the negotiations for the same were inconclusive and were a factor in Lewis making a move to Ferrari, but if reports are to be believed, they are willing to offer that to his ex-rival Max Verstappen.
According to Soymotors, Max Verstappen and his team will meet with Mercedes after the Miami GP to negotiate his possible signing in 2025. Mercedes is willing to offer him 150 million euros ($160 Million), an ambassador contract and they could even bring in Helmut Marko.
Do you think Max Verstappen will make a move to Mercedes?
