“Lewis Wouldn’t Want Him”: F1 Mogul Bernie Ecclestone Once Rejected Trouble Child Max Verstappen’s Mercedes Hopes Despite a Wealth of Talent

Can you see Max Verstappen racing for Mercedes? It’s a bizarre question after watching the 2021 title battle. Though anything is possible in F1 and we have seen crazier driver moves. Bernie Ecclestone had different views on this, citing no one except Red Bull might want Verstappen.

Speaking with Nico Rosberg on his podcast back in 2018, Bernie Ecclestone spoke about Daniel Ricciardo‘s move to Renault due to Max Verstappen. When Rosberg asked further about the Dutchman, Ecclestone was just straightforward in his response, citing the trouble Verstappen brings to the table.

Ecclestone said, “I don’t think any of the world champions [drivers] today would want to have him [Max Verstappen] in the team.” The former F1 supremo shot down any possibilities of Verstappen moving to any other team besides Red Bull.

He added, “I don’t think Ferrari will welcome him with open arms, or Mercedes.” Bernie explained to Nico how no top driver would want to race with Max as teammates, despite his talent. The 87-year-old then further stated, “So Sebastian [Vettel] wouldn’t want him [as a teammate]. I’m sure. Lewis [Hamilton] wouldn’t want him.”

Ecclestone had his logic right surely as Verstappen has become a de facto #1 driver at Red Bull. And pairing up Max with Lewis Hamilton as teammates might be a recipe for disaster.

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There have been speculations that Max may wish to move to another top team one day. It might be Mercedes or Ferrari, though he might only do so if Red Bull cannot give him a competitive car.

Can Max Verstappen move to any other team besides Red Bull in the future?

Max Verstappen has got a performance clause in his Red Bull contract. This clause allows the Dutchman to trigger his exit from Milton Keynes if the team can not provide him with a race and championship-winning car.

Let’s consider this what-if scenario if Verstappen ever triggers this clause. The F1 driver market might be wide open. He may be on top of every team’s list, as you want an elite talented driver like him in your team.

Though, realistically, not every team may have the budget to sign the double-world champion. It will be most likely top teams like Mercedes or Ferrari. The question is, who will be willing to have a de facto #1 in Verstappen and demote their current driver’s status?

If Ferrari takes him on board, who will they prioritize? – Leclerc or Verstappen? While Mercedes might take a chance, as they have experience in handling two top drivers, like Hamilton and Rosberg.

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Max has got a contract with Red Bull until 2028 and he wished to continue their successful run for many years to come. But it’s not as simple as that in F1. So, let’s see how Verstappen’s future career shapes up.