Nigel Mansell predicts Max Verstappen could ditch Red Bull for Mercedes in F1 ‘merry-go-round’

Nigel Mansell shared his insights on which team Max Verstappen might consider moving to when he decides to leave Red Bull.

Nigel Mansell predicts Max Verstappen could ditch Red Bull for Mercedes in F1 ‘merry-go-round’

Nigel Mansell and Max Verstappen (images via IMAGO)

Red Bull has experienced a significant performance slump in recent races, affecting its lead in the Constructors’ Championship. It led the championship at the start of the season but lost ground to McLaren recently.

Issues with their car’s balance majorly contributed to this decline. Key figures, including Adrian Newey, have decided to leave the team and join its rivals. Given these conditions, rumors suggest that Max Verstappen may activate his exit clause and consider a switch.

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Verstappen and Red Bull dominated the 2023 season, with the Dutchman winning 19 out of 22 races and securing his third world championship. However, the current season has been tumultuous for the team. For Verstappen to win the title this year, he must completely rely on his exceptional skills as Red Bull’s car is no longer the fastest on the grid.

Former Formula 1 driver Nigel Mansell pointed out that the unpredictable nature of F1 means anything can happen, highlighting Red Bull and Verstappen’s potential downfall. He also suggested that Verstappen could potentially join Mercedes, emphasizing that anything can happen in F1.

I think this is the fantastic thing about Formula One. Anything’s possible. I think the merry go round he could be moving to Mercedes. But it’s going to be interesting and hopefully Red Bull will be able to keep him. I think he’s under contract anyway, but I know having been in Formula One, anything is possible.

Nigel Mansell told Top Offshore Sportsbooks

Nigel Mansell claims Max Verstappen has managed to pull fantastic drives despite the struggles with the car

Nigel Mansell praised Max Verstappen for maintaining his focus during a challenging time for Red Bull. Despite the team’s difficulties, Verstappen has shown impressive concentration and determination. He acknowledged that Red Bull’s car is currently not as competitive as some of the others on the grid.

Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

However, Verstappen has managed to deliver some fantastic performances. At the Singapore GP, he tried his best but could only finish second. The 27-year-old could not catch Lando Norris, who finished 20 seconds ahead of him.

With all the things that have been happening with Red Bull you have got to take your hat off to Max that he’s kept his concentration. His car’s not as competitive as the others at the moment and he’s done some fantastic drives.

Nigel Mansell expressed

Red Bull has six more races to reclaim the lead in the Constructors’ Championship from McLaren. They must also focus on protecting Verstappen’s lead in the drivers’ standings, with Norris trailing him by 52 points currently.

If winning the Constructors’ Championship is out of reach this season, Red Bull should at least aim to protect Verstappen’s lead in the Drivers’ Championship. This could even encourage the three-time world champion to stay with the team instead of considering a move elsewhere.