How Lewis Hamilton impacted new Verstappen Red Bull deal
How Lewis Hamilton impacted new Verstappen Red Bull deal
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has suggested that the team tied up Max Verstappen’s new deal as quickly as possible as they were wary he would be approached by Mercedes to replace Lewis Hamilton if the Brit opted for a switch to Ferrari.
Before this week, Verstappen was one of a number of drivers including Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, and Daniel Ricciardo whose contracts expired at the end of the 2020 campaign, with speculation circling as to whether there could be a major shakeup of the grid after this season.
One driver who is definitely not moving, now, is the Dutchman, and Marko says it was imperative Red Bull retained him before Mercedes came calling.
"It was difficult for us to estimate what exactly was the story between Ferrari and Hamilton," the Austrian explained to Auto Motor und Sport.
"But it was clear that Mercedes must act if Hamilton were to go to Ferrari in 2021. Max would have been the first driver they'd aim for.
Verstappen and Horner react to deal announcementRead more
One key aspect of Red Bull’s development last year was their new relationship with Honda, and Marko says Verstappen is aware of the progress the Japanese engine manufacturer is making ahead of 2020, which probably influenced his decision to put pen to paper too.
"Max is a priority for Honda," he added.
"They love his aggressive driving style and his open nature. If the others teams want to be better, they'll have to make dramatic gains.
"Max knows what is going on at Honda. He has already seen the new car and he appreciates the continuity in the team.”
Marko’s comments come after rumours linking Hamilton with a move to Ferrari after his current contract with Mercedes expires.
Related
Change your timezone:
Latest News
F1 News Today: Horner reveals Verstappen SECRET as team reveal surprise name change
- 22 minutes ago
Ferrari announce DRASTIC change as Verstappen issues dire warning to bosses - GPFans F1 Recap
- Today 00:27
Hamilton sends strong message over Gaza deaths
- Yesterday 22:57
F1 giants announce name change with IMMEDIATE effect
- Yesterday 21:57
Horner admits Red Bull at MAJOR disadvantage with new rules
- Yesterday 20:57
Horner reveals 'unhuman' Verstappen secret
- Yesterday 19:57
Related news
Horner reveals 'unhuman' Verstappen secret
Red Bull already sending parts to F1 race MONTHS away
Schumacher reveals what F1 pundits are NOT allowed to say about Red Bull
F1 team 'set to announce MEGA signing' in major Red Bull challenge
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860