You mean when Max had 0 championships and was loyal? Mercedes was the dominant team and they were already winning everything, so the seats were full with Hamilton & wingman. Max had no choice but to be "loyal", where should Max have even gone? The status comparison then and now is completely different. Nowadays, every team wants him.Sieper wrote:Max is not only loyal while they are winning, he worked with the team towards winning. Also when prospect seemed dire.
McLaren team stream mentioned that there is a big bump on straight between T1 and T3 (where MotoGP has a chicane).
For the same reason he is not leaving before 2026, he is not leaving for 2026. Performance diff unknown and wants to see what the team can do. Exactly my point.Jurgen von Diaz wrote: ↑28 Jun 2024, 11:17Max is still winning but already concerned about the fact that they have lost dominant position. I don't think this guy is going to watch others collecting wins if he has an offer from a winning team on the table. Of course he is not leaving before 2026 because no one can guarantee the best car.Cassius wrote:Of course everyone is loyal as long as the performance is there. My point is Max was fully aware of the risks of the engine project. He is invested in it and is loyal to be able to see how they do. Hence he will stay for 2026 as well. If they are very much behind and there is no clear timeline/path to closing the gap to the other engine manufacturers, only then he will reconsider.Jurgen von Diaz wrote: ↑28 Jun 2024, 10:11
Hamilton would have never left for Ferrari if Mercedes were the dominant team. You are "loyal" as long as you benefit from it. And this applies to almost every driver. An F1 driver is more selfish than a 3-year-old child, and that's the key to success.
Given the loyalty and the statements Max has given on this project I don't believe he will just leave them before the introduction in 2026 based on rumours they might be a bit behind.