Dutch GP boss says it is not “unthinkable” that Mercedes could leave F1

Former Formula 1 driver and Dutch Grand Prix boss Jan Lammers has said that it is not “unthinkable” that Mercedes could leave the sport after they have “reached the peak” winning six constructors and drivers title in a row.

Mercedes returned to F1 as a works team in 2010, having last had a car in the sport in 1955, but had to wait four years for their success to start.
 
The introduction of the hybrid era in 2014 kickstarted the Silver Arrows dominance for the next six seasons as they claimed six consecutive constructors trophies, while Lewis Hamilton won five drivers and former driver Nico Rosberg claimed one in 2016.
 
Their success has seen them match and beat Ferrari’s dominant period from 1999-2004 that saw them win six constructors and five drivers titles, leading Lammers to believe they could make their way out of F1.
 
“It is somewhat uncertain what they will do in the long term,” said Lammers to F1Maximaal.

“I certainly don’t think it’s unthinkable that they’ll say ‘It was fantastic, but it’s time to do something else’.”

Now Ferrari and Aston Martin Red Bull Racing have caught up to Mercedes on the track their era of dominance could come to an end according to the Dutchman.

“I think the chance of further dominance is statistically small,” he said.

“Although they are still impressive, you can perhaps say that Mercedes has now reached the peak.”

The 63-year old predicts that Aston Martin Red Bull Racing and Honda can be the favourites for 2020 should the Japanese manufacturers engine perform well after Max Verstappen agreed a new contract.

“Honda just has to perform and they are doing that,” he added.

“Verstappen has signed on the basis of technical and sporting confidence. With this (new contract), Max and his team are showing their confidence in Honda and Red Bull.”