Mercedes and Red Bull, fighting over Verstappen: "Sometimes you just want to generate noise"

Max Verstappen’s dominance in Shanghai was evident not only in the gap between him and the second-place finisher Lando Norris, but also in his superior race pace compared to McLaren and Ferrari. Red Bull’s dominance was further highlighted by their quick and almost simultaneous double pit-stop, resolved in just 2.1 and 2.0 seconds. Verstappen’s only concern during the race was avoiding the debris on the track. With no one to challenge him, the World Cup leader delivered another exceptional performance in China.

In reality, Verstappen’s return to the Shanghai International Circuit after four years was almost flawless. He not only won the sprint race from fourth place but also showcased his ability to overcome obstacles. The Dutchman’s dominance was evident in his lap times, as he outperformed his teammate and left Sergio Pérez in the dust. With this fourth victory of the year, Red Bull now holds a total of 117 victories, surpassing Mercedes’ record in the modern era.

McLaren and Ferrari were no match for the terrifying pace of the RB-20, and attempts to destabilize Red Bull off the track have proven futile. However, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff continues to express his admiration for Verstappen, hinting at a possible future collaboration in 2026 when new regulations come into play. This message did not sit well with Red Bull, and Christian Horner wasted no time in responding, suggesting that Mercedes should focus on other elements instead of pursuing unavailable drivers.

Horner further emphasized that Verstappen’s position is clear and there is no ambiguity about where he will be next year. He dismissed the rumors and stated that as long as Verstappen is happy with the team, there is no reason for him to leave. Verstappen’s final decision will be influenced by the judgment of his father and agent. Meanwhile, he will continue to dominate his competitors on the track.