P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has claimed that Max Verstappen is on the verge of signing for Mercedes, as he called for Christian Horner to step down.
Johnny Herbert stated that Max Verstappen is close to signing a deal with Mercedes, raising questions about his future at Red Bull amidst a power struggle within the team. Herbert believes Red Bull risks pushing out the best driver in the world and destabilizing the team if they part ways with Verstappen. With Lewis Hamilton moving to Ferrari in 2025, Mercedes is seeking a replacement, possibly being Verstappen. Herbert suggested that Team Principal Christian Horner should consider stepping aside due to alleged inappropriate behavior and fallout within Red Bull. Max’s father, Jos Verstappen, warned that leaving Red Bull could be destructive, calling for a resolution to the ongoing situation. The situation risks impacting Red Bull’s success and team dynamics, with Herbert urging Horner to prioritize keeping Verstappen and preserving the team’s achievements.
