'Hamilton not going to mind Verstappen after the eighth or ninth title'

Following the announcement of Honda's departure from Formula 1, there has been much speculation about the consequences for Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen. However, Lawrence Barretto of Formula1.com believes the latter also played an important role in the cause of the departure.

Barretto wonders aloud in the F1-Nation podcast whether a possible departure from Verstappen to Mercedes contributed to this decision by Honda. "I wonder whether they were afraid that Verstappen would eventually look for another solution."

Without the Dutchman, the chance of a world title would only diminish. Also last year, when Honda decided to continue at least until 2021, Max Verstappen's persistence would have played a role in this.

Now that it is Honda who is the first to leave, Barretto has no doubt that Verstappen will also leave Red Bull. "I think his management is going to talk to Mercedes. Lewis is going to sign a new contract, but once he has won eight or nine titles I don't think he's going to have any problems with the arrival of Verstappen".

So that will not be until 2022 or 2023 at the earliest. It is true that by that time Verstappen will still be under contract with Red Bull, but Barretto does see Mercedes as a realistic option.