Albers doesn't believe in Verstappen clause: "What does Hamilton have to lose?"

With Lewis Hamilton signing a new contract with Mercedes, the grid for this year has been completely filled. There is a lot of speculation about why it took so long, what clauses are included, what the salary is and much more. Specifically, about that Max Verstappen clause. Would Hamilton fear Verstappen next to him at Mercedes? Christijan Albers does not think so.

Clause or no clause?

In a way, it is logical to think that Hamilton has a clause in his contract that restricts certain drivers moving next to him. In Valtteri Bottas, the seven-time champion has an excellent second driver who does exactly what he needs to do. When it comes to winning, Hamilton vastly outclasses the Finn. But will that situation also hold true if George Russell or Max Verstappen are in Bottas' place?

We will never know the content of the new contract, but former F1-driver Albers does not believe that Hamilton has included such a clause. This is because of the simple fact that the Brit can easily defend himself in a difficult situation. He said in the Formula 1 podcast of De Telegraaf: "That clause that Max Verstappen cannot drive there, drivers used to have that in their contracts. To be honest, I don't think Lewis Hamilton is really going to make an issue of that."

Hamilton accepts challenge

"And if I were Lewis Hamilton, I would have taken the gamble next year if Max Verstappen can drive in the team," Albers continued. "Because what does Lewis Hamilton have to lose? He can take the pressure off within ten seconds by saying, 'Listen, I'm not on the edge where I was, I don't have the talent anymore when I was 30 because now I'm 37, 38. Max, bring it on.'"

"He has nothing to lose because if he wins against Max then he is the greatest of greats and if he loses then he has had his era", putting Hamilton in a pretty unique position. Especially if he has won his eighth title, after all, he will be lonely at the top of the list of champions.