Most times in Formula 1, there is usually a star driver at a team who is partnered with a skillful driver. The pair then works in tandem and often there is an implicit understanding of who the lead driver is.
But of the many pairs that the sport has witnessed, would there be a more powerful lineup than Hamilton-Verstappen? Not many come to mind. And former Jordan Grand Prix boss, Eddie Jordan, has shared these very thoughts on why Lewis Hamilton should join Red Bull Racing.
The Verstappen-Hamilton pairing would be absolutely unstoppable
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In a brief interview with Ziggo Sport, Jordan was quoted as saying, “I personally believe that Lewis should go to Red Bull and not to Ferrari. I’ll tell you that is perfect. Because the best young driver of all of Formula 1 at the moment is Max Verstappen.
“There is no question about it. And what I believe is if he had a team-mate like Lewis Hamilton, then I do believe he would be able to beat him.”
Although that is next to unlikely, it is one pairing that F1 fans can certainly dream of. Lewis Hamilton, operating at his peak with the potential realization of Max Verstappen, seems like a stupendous prospect.
But as of a few weeks back, the contract situation between Mercedes and Hamilton had reached an advanced stage. It would probably see the 6-time World Champion commit the remainder of his career to the German powerhouse.
Clash of the egos in waiting in Hamilton-Verstappen partnership?
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Even if we assume that Hamilton was to agree to a Red Bull transfer, there would actually be more problems than solutions for the Austrian-licensed outfit. For starters, the very concept of the lead driver.
Hamilton has long been the superhero at Mercedes, and Rosberg did not exactly take in stride. In similar circumstances, Verstappen has been showered with praise and rightly so, as the leader at Red Bull Racing. Over the three years, Daniel Ricciardo moved to Renault, and Gasly and Albon have mostly played second fiddle to the Dutchman.
More so, it would also be a matter of competitive balance. At a time when F1 is dominated by a few teams, the idea is to spread out the drivers’ battles. From those angles, it makes sense for Hamilton to remain at Mercedes and Verstappen at Red Bull.
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At least that way, each week will represent a challenge for both drivers.