“His name is George Russell and not Max Verstappen” – Mercedes have apparently decided the partner to Lewis Hamilton from next season onwards, replacing Valtteri Bottas.
After a lot of to and fro, the Lewis Hamilton contract saga with Mercedes seems to be coming to an end. As per reports, the two parties have agreed on a one-year contract, defeating Hamilton’s demands for a multi-year contract.
There were interesting rumors that the contract has a ‘Verstappen clause’. This basically implies that Hamilton will get to choose his partner after Valtteri Bottas is let go of. It is also claimed that Hamilton prefers Max Verstappen more than George Russell.
But, as per Motorsport.com, the clause is nothing but “pure invention”. Lewis Hamilton has “no power with Mercedes to demand a comfortable team-mate, (that clause) does not exist”.
George Russell or Max Verstappen to partner Lewis Hamilton?
They further go on to claim this – “His name is George Russell and not Max Verstappen”. This is the choice of Daimler chairman Ola Kallenius, who wants someone from inside to be the next big star of Formula 1.
“Single-race George proved to the world that, on a silver arrow, several drivers would be able to fight for the World Championship, pulverizing the image of Valtteri Bottas, now too underestimated compared to its actual value.”
Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff, on the other hand, is keen on Max Verstappen. He would like to have him on board once Hamilton retires in two to three seasons. In such a situation, a pairing of George Russell and Max Verstappen seems ideal, as well as realistic.
“The message is clear: Mercedes would win, not Lewis Hamilton.”
Also read: “I think he will be faster than Hamilton”- Ex- F1 driver on Max Verstappen in a Mercedes
