Former F1 boss slaps Max Verstappen with brutal reality check

Bernie Ecclestone has slapped Max Verstappen with a brutal reality check regarding his chances with the sport’s biggest teams.

The former Formula One boss said the young Red Bull driver would struggle to gain a seat with Ferrari or Mercedes, simply because they “wouldn’t want him”.

For a 20-year-old, Verstappen has already made a name for himself as a driver, and he continues to divide opinion with his fiery driving style.

But Ecclestone had a blunt message for the current world No.5, whether he’s interested in one day leaving Red Bull or not.

“I don’t think any of the World Champions today would want to have him in the team,” Ecclestone said on Nico Rosberg’s Beyond Victory podcast.

“I think he’d have a bigger job getting a seat in a team than Fernando (Alonso) has.

“I don’t think Ferrari would welcome him with open arms, or Mercedes.”

Host of the podcast and former champion himself, Nico Rosberg, said he didn’t completely agree with the former F1 supremo.

“I’m not so sure, he’s very special,” Rosberg said.

After Rosberg’s sceptical response, Ecclestone found it vital to further explain his initial point.

“Put it this way, you wouldn’t be delighted if you were in a team… forget the word number one, but assume you were the top guy in the team and someone says ‘the guy who’s going to drive the other car is Verstappen’,” Ecclestone added.

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“Sebastian wouldn’t want him, I’m sure, Lewis wouldn’t want him.”

Despite being linked with a move to Mercedes in the past, Ecclestone brushed that aside to relate it to the current F1 driver’s landscape.

Mercedes reportedly made a move for the Dutch driver in the past, with team executive Toto Wolff saying an offer could materialise in the future.

But given Ricciardo’s recent exit from Red Bull, Verstappen has firmed himself as the number one driver for the team – so despite Ecclestone’s comments, it is highly doubtful a move would be on the young driver’s mind.

McLaren snag British teenage driver for 2019 series

British teenager Lando Norris will drive for Formula One team McLaren next year in place of Stoffel Vandoorne.

McLaren say they have signed the 18-year-old Norris to a “multi-year” deal.

Norris has been the team’s reserve driver and has taken part in practice sessions in Belgium and Italy.

“Although I’ve been part of the team for a while now, this is a special moment, one I could only hope would become reality,” Norris said.

Norris, who is currently second in standings in the Formula 2 feeder series, will partner with Carlos Sainz Jr.

The 24-year-old Sainz Jr. was announced last month as the replacement for Fernando Alonso, who is leaving F1 at the end of the season.

with AAP.