Mercedes told to consider SHOCK move in post-Hamilton search
Mercedes told to consider SHOCK move in post-Hamilton search
Ex-Formula 1 star Christian Danner has claimed that Mercedes should go all out to secure the services of triple world champion Max Verstappen.
Since Lewis Hamilton announced his shock departure from Mercedes to Ferrari at the start of February, several drivers have been linked with the seven-time world champion’s seat.
Among those names mentioned are Carlos Sainz, Esteban Ocon, Fernando Alonso, and hotly rated Mercedes junior Kimi Antonelli, who makes the step up from the Formula Regional European Championship to Formula 2 in 2024.
READ MORE: GPFans F1 Valentine – Hamilton, Horner and High Stakes: How fans fell back in love with F1
However, one name which has yet to be linked with the seat is Verstappen, whose Red Bull deal expires in 2028. But despite the Dutchman’s long-term deal, Danner, a TV pundit for German TV channel RTL, has insisted that Mercedes should try to convince Verstappen to switch from Red Bull blue to Mercedes silver and black.
Danner: Mercedes have to think about Verstappen
“Every name has to be discussed!” Danner told Bild. “There must be no legal or monetary obstacles. Age doesn’t matter at all, either. The same applies to contracts.
“Every driver who is at Silver Arrows level has to be a topic. That’s why Mercedes also has to think about Max Verstappen!”
READ MORE: F1 Schedule 2024: Full calendar with all you need to know about every grand prix
Verstappen isn’t the only driver to have a contract beyond 2024, with McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri on multi-year deals with the Woking-based team.
Charles Leclerc also re-signed a multi-year contract extension in January, whilst Alex Albon and George Russell are confirmed to stay at Mercedes and Williams respectively until 2025.
Yet, with a Mercedes seat up for grabs, Danner feels a couple of other highly rated drivers should be in contention.
“Max would, of course, be the best possible solution, but the McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris would also both be top successors for Lewis,” Danner continued.
“Both have everything they need to win multiple World Championship titles – if they have the right car. [But] after two years of crisis, Mercedes now has to prove that they can still do it.”
READ MORE: Hamilton's FINAL Mercedes F1 car revealed
Related
Change your timezone:
Latest News
Newey tipped to POACH key Red Bull staff if he joins F1 rivals
- 39 minutes ago
F1 paddock favourite admits immense DOUBTS over Verstappen Red Bull future
- 1 hour ago
Hamilton F1 rival makes SURPRISE claim about Ferrari move
- 2 hours ago
Schumacher names shock F1 star to replace Hulkenberg at Haas
- 3 hours ago
Hamilton in Arsenal title wish after STUNNING revelation
- Today 15:05
F1 boss 'in early talks' to SELL 25 percent of team
- Today 13:57
Related news
Hamilton in Arsenal title wish after STUNNING revelation
Cullen relationship blossoms with new star after moving on from Hamilton
Mercedes reveal shock RED livery to celebrate historic milestone
Verstappen 'to meet Mercedes over SHOCK 2025 move as Red Bull exit clause revealed'
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