Max Verstappen has been the driver who has criticized Formula 1’s new technical rules the most harshly. A bold move from a champion, but it could put him in a delicate spot when choosing his future: if he signs with Mercedes, he will be seen as a hypocrite and will validate his detractors.
The fiercest opponents of Verstappen claim that his criticisms of the new regulations stem only from the fact that he is not winning. The latest to say so has been George Russell, his close rival. The problem is that Verstappen’s words could indirectly be closing the doors to what appears to be the best team in Formula 1 for years.
Verstappen would vindicate Russell if he moves to the winning car
“When the 2022 car bounced and wrecked our backs, he didn’t complain, because he was winning. Those cars were heavy, large, and unpleasant to drive through corners.” These are Russell’s remarks about Verstappen’s criticisms of the new regulations, and they carry more weight than it might seem.
Verstappen is leading the campaign against the new Formula 1 rules, but coincidence has it that this comes during Red Bull’s worst season in a decade. So what could be seen as a genuine critique from Verstappen by many has become a grievance because his car isn’t competitive.
The refrain from his critics is that if he were winning he would not complain. And while it is true that Verstappen has long been known for an indomitable character, it cannot be denied that today there is no proof to the contrary. Although in the near horizon we will have the acid test.
Because now Verstappen must confront the driver market. A market in which he could switch teams if he wishes, given that Red Bull’s poor performance triggers any performance clause in that contract. The question is, will Verstappen sign with Mercedes? The interest, at least until a few months ago, existed on the German side.
The problem is that if Verstappen signs with Mercedes and climbs into the best car, he would be giving his critics the answer: all he wanted was to win. And all that rebellious nature would be reduced to mere hypocrisy. What other options does Verstappen have left? Retirement remains on the table, but there is a lot of money at stake. Too much.
Surely in Ferrari and perhaps in McLaren there would be willing to give Verstappen a competitive car with which no one could accuse him of anything.
Images | Red Bull, Formula 1
