The future of Max Verstappen continues to stir the backstage of Formula 1, and the former driver of the category and current commentator, Anthony Davidson, believes that Mercedes could be the best path for the four-time world champion. The former driver defended a possible partnership between the Dutchman and Kimi Antonelli, even in the face of recent speculation that places McLaren as the favorite in the race to sign the Dutchman.
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Doubts about Verstappen’s stay at Red Bull Racing have increased in recent weeks because of what Davidson considers a lack of harmony between the driver and the team. With the F1 mid-season break approaching, the contractual clause that allows the Dutchman to leave Red Bull if he is not among the top two in the championship can already be triggered.
Even with the talks between Verstappen and McLaren during the Austrian GP weekend reinforcing the possibility of a move to the British team, Davidson believes that Mercedes also has the conditions to receive the driver. In his assessment, the ideal formation would be composed of Verstappen and Antonelli, which would open space for George Russell’s departure.
“I think it could work. Kimi and Max have respect for each other and there is also a friendship between them,” Davidson said during his participation in the Sky Sports program The F1 Show. For him, this relationship can facilitate coexistence within the team if the change happens.
The commentator also understands that the friendships built by Verstappen in the paddock can influence his decision: “I think Max sees a lot of himself in the young Kimi when he arrived in F1. Besides, he is friends with Lando Norris, who at Silverstone made it clear that he will continue at McLaren and that he would love to have Verstappen as a teammate,” he said.
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Davidson also commented on the current environment at Red Bull: “I feel there is still dissatisfaction in the team. Between Verstappen’s team and Red Bull there is disharmony, and I can’t understand why,” he added, reinforcing speculation about a possible break between the parties.
Even with the rumors, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff ruled out changes to the current duo: “We don’t want to change things. We have also already told George that. I think this formation is very good for us and I am very satisfied with both,” he said.
Still, Davidson considers that the possibility of Verstappen defending Mercedes remains an interesting hypothesis, although he recognizes that the team is experiencing a positive moment with its current driver lineup.
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