Zynerji wrote: ↑12 Jan 2021, 00:19
I'd just call it good business to buy a cheaper driver that can still win in a dominant car, thus having more funds to make an even more dominant car.
I don't let my emotions get in the way of my mathematics.
It wouldnt be good business, because you are not looking at the business in its entirety. That being; selling cars, building image, exposure, marketability. For brands such as Mercedes, being part of F1 isnt just a sporting excercise. It’s a
business.
Having that said, Russel seems to be a great prospect. But so far, he hasnt proven to be anything but probably as quick as Bottas on a ‘bad day’. Hamilton is quite a bit better than Bottas on most days and under pressure. That’s why they won 2017 & 2018. There’s nothing to suggest so far that Russel could have achieved the same for the team. It’s also rather doubtful he would have the same level of input and experience expected to drive the team forward.
The car might be good on its own, but there is no guarantee they’d be good enough as a package to win any championships.
Note; i am not suggesting Hamilton is worth 50 million a year. But he is a
known quantity. In other words, a safe bet. Russel isnt.