[Artemis]

Originally Posted by Rono63

Probably his best option. I think MB has developing their PU before the new regulations were announced and be another rocket ship.

It would be strange to see Max in MB silver.

About 10 months ago, Ola Källenius stated in German press that he thinks Verstappen "would look good in silver", particularly once F1's rules reshuffle happens in F1 2026. Now, Källenius is not just some random guy - he's the Mercedes-Benz Group chairman and CEO. And Jim Ratcliffe (main Mercedes sponsor INEOS) is a Verstappen fan.

Mercedes is (still) eager to get Verstappen and undoubtedly notices too how the window of opportunity is expanding as Red Bull Racing woes increase and Verstappen gets increasingly irritated about the RB21 dynamics and performance. Russell knows that he's fully at the mercy of what Verstappen decides this Summer. If Verstappen signs at Mercedes, Russell won't get a contract extension and will very likely be donning a Red Bull Racing suit in 2026 if Sainz isn't available for the vacated RBR seat.

Getting Verstappen on board, improves Mercedes's chances of getting WDC and WCC titles again, not only because Verstappen is arguably a better driver than Russell, but also because Mercedes won't need any longer to beat the formidable Verstappen battleship driving a Red Bull, an Aston Martin or a Ferrari car: signing Verstappen = he will have been made unavailable for the competition.

"Mercedes sense clear Max Verstappen opportunity with ‘look good in silver’ tease
PlanetGP - 26 Jun 2024
https://www.planetf1.com/news/merced...nity-in-silver
Mercedes-Benz Group chairman and CEO Ola Källenius thinks Max Verstappen “would look good in silver”, particularly once Formula 1’s rules reshuffle happens in F1 2026.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confirmed over the Spanish Grand Prix weekend that talks with Verstappen are not currently taking place, having initially made him their top target to replace Lewis Hamilton at the team next season.

Mercedes chairman: Max Verstappen ‘would look good in silver’
Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until F1 2028, having signed a mega contract extension with the team after winning his first title in 2021, but the competitive order is almost certain to change in Formula 1’s regulations reset in F1 2026.
The three-time World Champion will still likely be the most sought-after driver on the market at that time, too, should he become available at any time before the end of his deal.
Mercedes chairman Källenius senses an “opportunity” to put the team back at the front of the field when the sport’s rules reset, with the Mercedes power unit potentially a decisive factor in the team’s performance among the huge regulation changes.
Red Bull are creating their own power units for the first time from F1 2026 in partnership with Ford, with a plethora of unknowns heading into the sport’s new era.
And if Mercedes are able to re-establish themselves at the top of the pack again, he teased the possibility of trying to bring Verstappen to the team.
“The best driver wants to have the best car. And that’s our job, to bring the best package together,” Källenius told Sky Germany.
“The cards will be reshuffled in 2026. New order with new rules. That’s also an opportunity. Who knows.
“But I think Max would look good in silver, wouldn’t he?”
In the here and now, Wolff confirmed that Mercedes’ driver search may well extend later into the season, with the team looking to assess all their options before making a decision on Hamilton’s replacement.
Junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli remains among the candidates to join the grid next season, while Wolff explained that the team are likely to wait before making a final call.
“We want to go in a completely new generation. If it is with Kimi or see what Max does,” Wolff told DAZN in Barcelona.
“I didn’t want to have Carlos wait anymore. I think we may take a decision in November.
“Carlos is a race winner in Ferrari but it all came down to the decision that Ferrari said: ‘We want to have Lewis Hamilton in the car for next year.'”

Small details: note how friendly Wolff, Antonelli and Verstappen remain about/towards each other. Also inside the paddock, Verstappen and Antonelli seem to be bonding. Although there is truth in what they say about each other, there's not the slightest critical remark. The Wolff-Verstappen relationship has changed: compared to the hostile past, Wolff seems unusually friendly vis-à-vis Verstappen. Hm, makes you wonder whether some secret first agreement was made in 2024. For example no Mercedes driver contract yet, but at least a commitment that if Verstappen decides this Summer to leave Red Bull Racing, Mercedes will get the first option to sign him + Mercedes willing to sacrifice Russell (no extension of his contract expiring this year) ?

Verstappen openly praising Antonelli past race weekend in Miami:

Antonelli about the pitstop collision during the Miami Sprint (clearly an unsafe release - 100% RBR at fault): "Nothing to blame on Max, of course" (true that drivers rely on their teams for pitstop releases, but he fully cleared Verstappen):

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by Rono63

Probably his best option. I think MB has developing their PU before the new regulations were announced and be another rocket ship.

It would be strange to see Max in MB silver.

[AmuroRay]

Originally Posted by M3WC

Ham got gifted positions by being able to stop during VSC. Otherwise he spent first quarter of race failing to pass a Haas, due to his continued poor qualifying.

Ham pace is no where new Lec. It is 6-2 in favor of Lec in quali sessions including sprints.

Of those 6, Lewis was behind Lec by over .4 sec on average. Over 4 tenths is an eternity in F1.

Ham is the number 2 driver at Ferrari.

Originally Posted by AmuroRay

Where was he last race?

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by AmuroRay

Where was he last race?

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by AmuroRay

A lap is the sum of its parts/sectors.

Fastest Lap results of the Miami GP:

1. NOR (race P2 - WDC P2)
2. PIA (race P1 - WDC P1)
3. RUS (race P3 - WDC P4)
4. LEC (race P7 - WDC P5)
5. VER (race P4 - WDC P3)
6. ALB (race P5 - WDC P8)
7. HAM (race P8 - WDC P7)
8. SAI (race P9 - WDC P13)
9. ANT (race P6 - WDC P6)
10. TSU (race P10 - WDC P11)
11. HAD (race P11 - WDC P16)
12. HUL (race P14 - WDC P14)
13. OCO (race P12 - WDC P9)
14. GAS (race P13 - WDC P12)
15. ALO (race P15 - WDC P17)
16. STR (race P16 - WDC P10)
17. LAW (race NC - WDC P18)
18. BOR (race NC - WDC P20)
19. BEA (race NC - WDC P15)
20. DOO (race NC - WDC P19)

Fastest cars based on Fastest Lap results of the Miami GP:

1. McLaren (WCC P1)
2. Mercedes (WCC P2)
3. Ferrari (WCC P4)
4. Red Bull Racing (WCC P3)
5. Williams (WCC P5)
6. Racing Bulls (WCC P8)
7. Sauber (WCC P10)
8. Haas (WCC P6)
9. Alpine (WCC P9)
10. Aston Martin (WCC P7)

[G30M]

Doohan:

BBC reported that “insiders say the switch” with Colapinto “is close to being finalised”. ESPN reported that “a plan to put Colapinto in the car for Imola gathered pace” in Miami. De Telegraaf said Doohan was “expected to be replaced before the next Grand Prix’’.

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by G30M

Doohan:

BBC reported that “insiders say the switch” with Colapinto “is close to being finalised”. ESPN reported that “a plan to put Colapinto in the car for Imola gathered pace” in Miami. De Telegraaf said Doohan was “expected to be replaced before the next Grand Prix’’.

Exit Doohan - enter Colapinto: apparently already done and dusted:

Originally Posted by Artemis

The chap forgot that his mike was still broadcasting when he said "en Imola" ("in Imola") about Colapinto racing for Alpine. Gaffe:
https://youtube.com/shorts/H6c1YbUhB_g

1 free practice session seems unlikely because he already raced last year. Doohan risks to be "Lawson'd". Soon we'll know what Flavio Briatore has concocted.

"Sponsor says Colapinto to replace Doohan in Imola - Miami this weekend could be Jack Doohan's last race for now at the wheel of an Alpine.
https://www.grandprix.com/news/spons...-in-imola.html
Intense speculation about his future has been swirling all season so far, with team advisor Flavio Briatore's obvious favourite Franco Colapinto - on loan from Williams - poised to step into the cockpit.
The intensity of the rumours, however, has actually eased over the last few weeks. Team boss Oliver Oakes seemed keen to reduce the pressure on Doohan's shoulders, but there were also rumblings about Alpine wanting to squeeze more money out of Colapinto's sponsors.
The logos of Argentine e-commerce company Mercado Libre are already on the Alpine livery, but another major Colapinto backer - the Argentine oil giant YPF - is still missing.
Some think this is because of a clash with an existing - and new - Alpine sponsor ENI, an Italian oil company.
However, YPF president Horacio Marin gave an interview to Argentine broadcaster A24 this week and he was asked directly if Colapinto is going to race for Alpine in 2025.
I can't tell you that, Marin replied, laughing.
The interviewer then pressed harder, asking: When will he debut? In Miami?
Again, the YPF president laughed as he awkwardly explained that he couldn't say anything about it.
But as soon as the interview was over, and Marin believed his microphone was no longer broadcasting because music and an end-screen were on the monitor, he was heard to mutter to his interviewer: In Imola."

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

Attachment 3726644

I can't look...but the chief s/holder must be having a ball stock market wise

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by Artemis

Exit Doohan - enter Colapinto: apparently already done and dusted:

Doohan given a helping hand in the pits along the way.

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by M5Rick

Doohan given a helping hand in the pits along the way.

F1 boss suddenly leaves team (!)

Mattia Binotto, who has been the Stake Kick/Sauber operational and technical director until now, Binotto has been promoted to head up Audi's 2026 F1 project.

With the new structure, Binotto will be responsible for the 2026 F1 Audi chassis and engine development.

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by M5Rick

I can't look...but the chief s/holder must be having a ball stock market wise

We have 2 choices for the 2026 season :

1- We want to see MAX fail in a car build by a French idiot . The new 2026 FORD PU under the hood is lacking power like 70-80 HP too short.
The 2026 RB22 is less than a midfield car and a DNF can happen at any moment (!)
The Red Bull Team is a sinking ship...

2- We want MAX to fight for victories , win races and fight for the 2026 WDC with the monster power from a unbeatable Mercedes PU.

In this situation and how it currently looks like, this should be an easy decision for MAX.

MAX has an advantage in this situation : Every team just wants him...

[Rono63]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

We have 2 choices for the 2026 season :

1- We want to see MAX fail in a car build by a French idiot . The new 2026 FORD PU under the hood is lacking power like 70-80 HP too short.
The 2026 RB22 is less than a midfield car and a DNF can happen at any moment (!)
The Red Bull Team is a sinking ship...

2- We want MAX to fight for victories , win races and fight for the 2026 WDC with the monster power from a unbeatable Mercedes PU.

In this situation and how it currently looks like, this should be an easy decision for MAX.

MAX has an advantage in this situation : Every team just wants him...

McLaren uses the MB PU.

Max in papaya for 26. Yes!!!!

[AmuroRay]

Originally Posted by Artemis

A lap is the sum of its parts/sectors.

Fastest Lap results of the Miami GP:

1. NOR (race P2 - WDC P2)
2. PIA (race P1 - WDC P1)
3. RUS (race P3 - WDC P4)
4. LEC (race P7 - WDC P5)
5. VER (race P4 - WDC P3)
6. ALB (race P5 - WDC P8)
7. HAM (race P8 - WDC P7)
8. SAI (race P9 - WDC P13)
9. ANT (race P6 - WDC P6)
10. TSU (race P10 - WDC P11)
11. HAD (race P11 - WDC P16)
12. HUL (race P14 - WDC P14)
13. OCO (race P12 - WDC P9)
14. GAS (race P13 - WDC P12)
15. ALO (race P15 - WDC P17)
16. STR (race P16 - WDC P10)
17. LAW (race NC - WDC P18)
18. BOR (race NC - WDC P20)
19. BEA (race NC - WDC P15)
20. DOO (race NC - WDC P19)

Fastest cars based on Fastest Lap results of the Miami GP:

1. McLaren (WCC P1)
2. Mercedes (WCC P2)
3. Ferrari (WCC P4)
4. Red Bull Racing (WCC P3)
5. Williams (WCC P5)
6. Racing Bulls (WCC P8)
7. Sauber (WCC P10)
8. Haas (WCC P6)
9. Alpine (WCC P9)
10. Aston Martin (WCC P7)

Attachment 3726909

Yeah, nothing you said refuted what I posted.

Please read again what was stated and how I responded:

Originally Posted by M3WC

Ham pace is no where new Lec. It is 6-2 in favor of Lec in quali sessions including sprints.

Of those 6, Lewis was behind Lec by over .4 sec on average. Over 4 tenths is an eternity in F1.
.

My response was "What about last race"

Per the graphic I posted - Lewis was on par or better than Lec. If he did lag (on fastest lap) it was less than a tenth that separated him from Charles.

So I'm not sure why you quoted me and literally added nothing to the original post. Lewis is still living rent free in your head.

[HeelToeShift]

Originally Posted by Artemis

A lap is the sum of its parts/sectors.

Fastest Lap results of the Miami GP:

1. NOR (race P2 - WDC P2)
2. PIA (race P1 - WDC P1)
3. RUS (race P3 - WDC P4)
4. LEC (race P7 - WDC P5)
5. VER (race P4 - WDC P3)
6. ALB (race P5 - WDC P8)
7. HAM (race P8 - WDC P7)
8. SAI (race P9 - WDC P13)
9. ANT (race P6 - WDC P6)
10. TSU (race P10 - WDC P11)
11. HAD (race P11 - WDC P16)
12. HUL (race P14 - WDC P14)
13. OCO (race P12 - WDC P9)
14. GAS (race P13 - WDC P12)
15. ALO (race P15 - WDC P17)
16. STR (race P16 - WDC P10)
17. LAW (race NC - WDC P18)
18. BOR (race NC - WDC P20)
19. BEA (race NC - WDC P15)
20. DOO (race NC - WDC P19)

Fastest cars based on Fastest Lap results of the Miami GP:

1. McLaren (WCC P1)
2. Mercedes (WCC P2)
3. Ferrari (WCC P4)
4. Red Bull Racing (WCC P3)
5. Williams (WCC P5)
6. Racing Bulls (WCC P8)
7. Sauber (WCC P10)
8. Haas (WCC P6)
9. Alpine (WCC P9)
10. Aston Martin (WCC P7)

Attachment 3726909

RB21 - 4th fastest car yet Max is faster than both Ferrari, as well as finishing ahead of them, and finishing ahead of MB (and would have been both if not for VSC).

[HeelToeShift]

Originally Posted by AmuroRay

Where was he last race?

#2 was 7th while Lec scored the only podium Ferrari has this year. Lec was also managing pace in Jeddah vs Ham going all out and yet they were about equal on 'fastest pace' Outright pace Ham is off by .4-.6.

[AmuroRay]

Originally Posted by HeelToeShift

#2 was 7th while Lec scored the only podium Ferrari has this year. Lec was also managing pace in Jeddah vs Ham going all out and yet they were about equal on 'fastest pace'.

Ham has won a sprint and podiumed on another while his teamate crashed out. Max has the first/second fastest car on the grid and didn't even podium at all, despite starting first.

People in glass houses.

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by Rono63

McLaren uses the MB PU.

Max in papaya for 26. Yes!!!!

Dream on

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by AmuroRay

Yeah, nothing you said refuted what I posted.
Please read again what was stated and how I responded:
My response was "What about last race"
Per the graphic I posted - Lewis was on par or better than Lec. If he did lag (on fastest lap) it was less than a tenth that separated him from Charles.
So I'm not sure why you quoted me and literally added nothing to the original post. Lewis is still living rent free in your head.

My post only stated points of fact further to your post. Objectively verifiable data. No opinion.

If it features any inaccuracy, feel free to point out.

That's all.

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

We have 2 choices for the 2026 season :

1- We want to see MAX fail in a car build by a French idiot . The new 2026 FORD PU under the hood is lacking power like 70-80 HP too short.
The 2026 RB22 is less than a midfield car and a DNF can happen at any moment (!)
The Red Bull Team is a sinking ship...

2- We want MAX to fight for victories , win races and fight for the 2026 WDC with the monster power from a unbeatable Mercedes PU.

In this situation and how it currently looks like, this should be an easy decision for MAX.

MAX has an advantage in this situation : Every team just wants him...

We heard it from the grapevine (and the horses mouth), MAX and Christian have said all is well for '26
*Agree with every team wants MAX but I'm sure you have heard the record from the Stones 'You can't always get what you want'

[AmuroRay]

Originally Posted by Artemis

My post only stated points of fact further to your post. Objectively verifiable data. No opinion.

If it features any inaccuracy, feel free to point out.

That's all.

It was inaccurate because it had nothing to do with what I said.
Can you please provide me with the information on how far off Hamilton was from Lec in Miami - the most recent race.

I didn't ask about points, WDC standings, I didn't ask about China, or Jeddah. I asked about HAM's pace vs LEC in Miami.

That's all.

[FrankMstein]

Originally Posted by 3798j

Had you been following F1 back in 2003, Pablo Montoya's dominating German Grand Prix win in his Williams-BMW would have flipped you out....a 65 second margin to second place, David Coultard. Then there's Verstappen's win in '21 at Imola...and then...and then

Oh I remember it, and it being a different scenario totally. It wasn't a loop hole in the rules, it was a one off. Lets not call apple oranges just because you found one orange apple.

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by Rono63

McLaren uses the MB PU.

Max in papaya for 26. Yes!!!!

Verstappen did confirm that, some time ago, Zak Brown has reached out to his management to explore the possibility of signing him, but quickly realized that Verstappen is out of McLaren's financial league - very high maintenance.

"Verstappen jokes McLaren interest over ‘immediately’ after learning ‘how much’
Planet F1 - 15 March 2025
Max Verstappen has joked that Zak Brown had one brief conversation with his management before being turned off from the idea of signing him because of “how much he would have to pay”.
The hottest property in Formula 1 as he chases a fifth successive Drivers’ Championship title, Verstappen commands the highest reported salary on the grid – a whopping $65 million.
Max Verstappen to McLaren?
It’s a price tag that not many teams could match.
But according to De Telegraaf, McLaren still made enquiries about the Dutchman ‘some time ago’, although exactly when the publication didn’t state.
The feelers came from the higher-ups, McLaren CEO Zak Brown getting in touch with Verstappen’s management team to ask about his contract situation at Red Bull to get a clear picture of any potential availability.
It remained as one call ‘to explore the market’, Brown confirmed to the publication.
But why just one call? Verstappen joked that’s because Brown learned what it could cost to sign him.
“He didn’t, he didn’t call me,” Verstappen told Viaplay when asked about the report that McLaren had reached out to him.
Asked if he had instead called Verstappen’s management, the driver confirmed that.
“Yes, but I think that didn’t last long,” he said. “When he knew how much he would have to pay, it was over immediately.”
Pressed on how much was ‘much’, Verstappen chuckled: “A lot!”
But while Brown and McLaren may have been interested in signing Verstappen, one team that is still said to be keen on pouching the 27-year-old from Red Bull is Aston Martin.
Verstappen though, has reiterated that he’s “happy” with Red Bull.
“I’m entering my eleventh season. So I won’t be investing my energy in such things,” he said.
“I’m happy where I’m at here.
“Of course we’d like to go quicker, I think everyone wants that. I do my best and at the same time I’m busy with other things so I can put my heart into that as well.
“And then I go home, I can do things together with family and friends and yeah, that’s it!”
Meanwhile, Toto Wolff has called off his pursuit of the four-time World Champion as he does not want to “flirt” outside of his relationship with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.
“I think we said it really clear last year, he said the same, we need to concentrate on our driver line-up,” he said.
“I won’t flirt outside if I’m in a good relationship, and this is true for this year too.
“So at the moment, that [signing Verstappen], is not on any radar.
“And I don’t plan to shift my concentration away from these guys [Russell and Antonelli]. And make sure that George has some visibility very soon, or has a contract very soon.”"