Whispers around the Formula One paddock say that Max Verstappen can see himself driving at Mercedes, rather than another of their rivals or Red Bull’s in the future. The Dutchman has continuously bemoaned his RB21 this season, which has often been lacklustre compared to the McLarens, and above all else he wants to win more world titles.

George Russell has been linked with a move away from Mercedes, with the British star yet to extend his contract with the Silver Arrows beyond the end of this season

Imagine the world of F1 without Max Verstappen in it right now. Calmer? Sure. Fewer penalties? Almost certainly. Boring? Absolutely. The fact is that F1 is sleepwalking (or running) into a crisis. Long gone are the days of 2021 with Max and Lewis going wheel-to-wheel – neither giving up an inch – with the title on a knife edge.