diffuser wrote: ↑20 Sep 2020, 15:27
Big Tea wrote: ↑20 Sep 2020, 12:13
Wass85 wrote: ↑20 Sep 2020, 11:46
If I were Max I'd be doing my utmost to join Merc alongside Hamilton, the only way to get a foothold there is to oust him.
Surely Mercedes will still be favourites when the new regulations come in. If that's not possible then he just as to pray that Red Bull can fight for the titles at some point.
That is not going to happen. As long as Hamilton is at Merc, neither Max, nor Leclerc or anyone who wants to be team leader or disrupt the way things are is going to be brought in.
As the saying goes, if it is not broken, don't fix it.
If I was Max, I'd stay at RBR till end of 2022. Merc don't need him and alot of rumors about where they'll be in 2022. By the middle of 2022 you'll know who's gotten the new regs right. RBR have probably got a better chance than most at getting them right. You just don't know these days. Alot of fresh money in F1 [RP & Williams] now and some of them will probably start moving a majority of their resources to 2022 soon.
I think it depends on how much Max values himself and how 'good' his name is.
No 'proof please' here, just gut feelings right?
Merc is out in front, uncatchable. Only a merc driver is going to win the title as things stand.
Max is not going to Merc.
Second by a space, now that Ferrari has faltered is Red Bull. Max is at Red Bull.
He is not likely to be more than 3rd in the rankings unless it is due to Merc failings.
Ferrari should be barking at Merc and scrapping with Red Bull, which takes points from both of them, especially as neither seem to want a strong second driver.
Back from here, is Renault, Mclaren and RP/AM. None are going to trouble the top 3 (2 due to Ferrari getting pinged, but they will be back)
It seems to me that Max in any of the other 3 would still be 2nd behind the Mercs.
As things stand, if I had to chose who would progress, I would go for Mclaren then Renault, then Rp/AM
(discount Ferrari for now)
Mclaren are getting the Merc engine next year, but have a set driver lineup.
Renault have a reasonable line up, especially Danny, but seem to be slow responding, and not getting the funding they want.
RP have outscored them both this year.
Thats how things stand.
So, what options are there from Max point of view?
Mclaren, No, they are happy with the drivers, so no chance for a while, plus they have to adapt to the Merc.
Renault? No, first I do not see Max fitting in as its a name driven team not a driver driven team, and funds come from above.
That only leaves RP/AM. As things are, they are going to be in that same group behind Merc.
Red Bull? Importantly, their best scoring asset had been Max. What they would be on without him is debatable.
Possibly Albon and Gasly in a car for them would have done a good job and even have more points, but the Kudos is for podiums not finishes. Besides, Red Bull are not short of funding, which is what this post is all about. but we will forget them as it would be no change
A new team called Aston Martin, with a pennant like Max should be a useful tool.
If he could draw enough attention to get the funds and personnel, remember the cap is coming, so people are moving, they already have the Merc engine and have for long enough to be used to it, would as I see it ( or as Max would ) could be no further away from a title than Red Bull.
The down side, Red Bull have been there - done that, while AM are new boys and could fade out.
The worse down side, if Max leaves Red Bull, it is not likely he will ever go back
Lets not consider Ferrari here.
When arguing with a fool, be sure the other person is not doing the same thing.