The day of the decision is approaching. The team Mercedes Benz pockets the issue of racers for the 2020 season to solve during the summer break. For another seat next door Lewis Hamilton only two candidates are eligible. That's what Valtteri Bottas, who got a bit lost after a great start to the season, and Esteban Ocon, eagerly awaiting a new opportunity in Formulas 1. Lately, rumor cooks have been mentioning a lot as well Max Verstappen, but the young Dutchman with recent success has moved away from a possible transfer to the camp of the silver arrows. With two wins and fifth place in the last three races, Max has climbed to third place among the racers and is likely to head to the summer break in that position as well. And based on the clause in its contract, it will be for Red Bull also performed in the 2020 season.
The best starting position here at the Hungaroring will most likely lead the young Verstappn to the conclusion that with the connection Red Bull in Honda bet on a real horse. This impression was also strengthened by the head of the Mercedes team To Toto Wolffwhen he was at a hotel bar for a drink with Max’s father Jos Verstappn. The Austrian is firmly convinced that Max will be next year Red Bullov racer.
So Bottas or Ocon. After the race for the Hungarian GP, the greats of the team are scheduled Mercedes Benz sit down at a table and discuss the pros and cons of both combinations. Wolff does not intend to take much time in this, because he wants to ensure that the racer who drops out will have a good chance of finding refuge with the other team. And here Ocon would have an easier job than Bottas. He is younger, cheaper and is only at the beginning of his career. Bottas, on the other hand, should take a step or two back from the best team. And on top of that, the Finn also has a certain price.
Toto wolff he senses that he has a difficult choice ahead of him. “They both deserve a seat. Valtteri is fast, has experience and matches Lewis very well. Esteban is a great talent, very committed and has endured hard times. We will try to make the best decision for the team and for both racers. It is our obligation to think of both. ” If the dice fall on Bottas, then Mercedes will allow young Ocon to go elsewhere. Even for two years, if a team interested in him would want one. "We wouldn't sabotage Esteban's career, he deserves a chance in Formula 1." Any teams where Ocon could land are Renault, Haas in Alfa Romeo.
With a good performance at the Hungarian Grand Prix qualifiers, another young Mercedes came on display George Russell. However, the young Briton will have to wait a little longer until his appointment as a Mercedes racer. “George has been lying in my ears since he was 15, just to explain to me why he has to race for Mercedes. He came to Formula 1 very young. And we want to give him the opportunity to learn in a certain Formula One environment, where he can also make a mistake. Just like it was with Max Verstappn at Toro Rosso, ” compares Wolff.
And according to the Austrian, young Russell would not find such an environment at Mercedes. “He should be able to succeed here right now under a lot of pressure next to Lewis. Competing against the best racer in the early stages of his career would not be good for him. I wouldn’t want George to burn out. He can learn more from Williams than he does from us. For example, how can it help bring a team back to the forefront? ” In addition, Mercedes wants to honor its youngster’s contract. Russell has a team Williams three-year contract. It means he could first be seen in the Silver Arrows team in 2021.
