Ideal option for Red Bull: 'Then Verstappen has no reason to leave'

Honda's departure from Formula 1 naturally raises many questions. Where can Max Verstappen go now and which engine is Red Bull Racing switching to? It leads to several new ideas about the future of F1.

What is Hamilton doing?

At the end of 2021 Honda will leave Formula 1 and that means Red Bull will have to look for a new engine supplier. Mol suggests that Red Bull can also take over the factory and people from Honda so that the knowledge is not lost, but also sees opportunities for Verstappen on the drivers market.

''Of course it is possible that Lewis Hamilton could stop after 2021, but he is now negotiating to see what else could be done. Lewis' contract defines the Drivers' Market, because don't forget that Hamilton is not waiting for Verstappen next door at all. So point 33a in his contract could well be that he decides who can or cannot sit next to him'', says Olav Mol at F1 aan Tafel.

Mercedes engine for Red Bull

The Ziggo Sport commentator also understands why Hamilton does not want this. ''Of course he will never say this in public, but Hamilton has no use for getting Verstappen beside him and being driven around for the last two years. It could also be that Hamilton wants to do something else,'' says Mol.

While F1-photographer Peter van Egmond states that Red Bull hasn't ruled out a Mercedes engine yet because Toto Wolff is leaving and he would be the only one stopping that deal, Mol indicates that a departure of Verstappen isn't necessarily necessary. ''If they would go for a Mercedes engine then Verstappen has no reason at all to leave'', concludes Mol.