F1 driver turned pundit Martin Brundle says that he is shocked to see both Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen sign long-term contracts with Ferrari and Aston Martin Red Bull Racing respectively. Both team have played second fiddle to Mercedes in recent years, so Brundle finds it strange neither of F1's two brightest young talents have left the door open for a Silver Arrows move.
Lewis Hamilton remains Mercedes' man, but with the Brit turning 35 a few days ago, it's perhaps strange to see neither have left themselves open to a move.
Of course the new 2021 rules mean that Mercedes are not guaranteed to stay at the top, but it does put doubt over Mercedes' plans for future drivers, with Valtteri Bottas not quite at the level of Verstappen and Leclerc.
Brundle told Sky Sports F1: “The Verstappen news does makes my mind think ‘what’s going on at Mercedes’ short to medium term?
“I really would have expected one of Verstappen or Leclerc to rock up at Mercedes.
“You’d have to look at it and think that Mercedes have got to be at least the equal-best car for another two or three years with the momentum they’ve got, so why hasn’t one of them signed up there?”