Max Verstappen‘s potential move to Mercedes continues to be a subject of intense speculation in the Formula 1 community.
Johnny Herbert has hinted that the Dutch driver is edging closer to a deal with Mercedes for the upcoming season. This speculation comes amidst the backdrop of internal turmoil at Verstappen’s current team, Red Bull Racing.
The turmoil at Red Bull has been fueled by the recent controversy surrounding team principal Christian Horner. Allegations of inappropriate behavior against Horner were raised by a female employee, prompting an internal investigation by Red Bull’s parent company in Austria.
Despite being cleared by Red Bull, the employee has escalated the matter to the FIA, indicating a potential legal battle ahead. The resulting tension within the team has only added to the uncertainty surrounding Verstappen’s future.
Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, has publicly voiced his dissatisfaction with Horner’s leadership, calling for his removal from the team.
Furthermore, rumors have circulated regarding the potential departure of Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko. Speculation suggests that Verstappen’s contract may contain provisions allowing him to leave if key figures like Marko are ousted from the team.
In the midst of this upheaval, Herbert has suggested that Verstappen is on the verge of striking a deal with Mercedes. Herbert, who has insider knowledge from his time as a pundit at Sky Sports, advocates for a swift resolution to the internal strife at Red Bull.
He refers to the situation as the “Horner show,” implying that the ongoing drama is detrimental to the team’s performance and stability.
As the Formula 1 world eagerly awaits confirmation of Verstappen’s next move, the uncertainty surrounding his future remains a focal point of discussion.
With Herbert’s assertion of an imminent agreement with Mercedes, the speculation surrounding Verstappen’s potential departure from Red Bull only intensifies.
Herbert stated: “It’s not a good thing for F1 with the whole thing going on and the belated heat on it and they’re very close to pushing [Verstappen] out of the team. I’ve heard they are getting quite close with the deal with Mercedes.”
“It seems like a stupid thing to do. Their biggest asset is not the Christian Horner show. It’s not about the Christian Horner show, it’s about the Max Verstappen show as he is the one winning all these races and championships for Red Bull.
“It would be crazy for Max to leave because of the situation. Jos [Verstappen] has said it will be very destructive and rip it apart and I think it’s gone on for far too long. In some respects, Christian should really think about it and step aside.”
At present, there are no indications that Christian Horner, who has steadfastly refuted the allegations levied against him, will imminently depart from his role at Red Bull.
Chalerm Yoovidhya, holding a majority stake of 51 percent in the Red Bull company, is purportedly standing firmly behind the 50-year-old, with no intentions of initiating any alterations at the helm.
Addressing the media during the recent Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Horner emphasized the importance of putting an end to the ongoing saga that has shrouded Red Bull in controversy since the beginning of the year.
He stressed the necessity to “draw a line” under the situation, signaling a desire to move forward and leave the tumultuous events behind.
“Obviously there’s been an awful lot of coverage surrounding this but one has to go back to the basis that a grievance was raised, it was investigated, and it was dismissed, he added.
“Obviously it’s been of great interest to different elements of the media for different reasons. I think it is time now to draw a line under it.”
