Quote:
Originally Posted by Akrapovic
Marketability is a good point, although Mercedes doesn't seem to care about that. They made that really weird choice to try and make Lewis win the race rather than the title late last year, despite it making them look a bit odd. You're absolutely spot on that DR is more marketable, but that doesn't seem to be a Mercedes thing (ironically it's more of an RBR thing...!). No idea why that would be, tbh.
DR is probably a better driver than Bottas. Certainly more aggressive. But do Mercedes want more drama when they're winning both titles anyway? I'm not so sure. I think they prefer headlines like "Mercedes wins both titles" than "Mercedes drivers feuding". From a cold marketing view, I can see why they'd be happy with Bottas being second best.
DR has another year at RBR, right? So he has time to recover this Verstappen situation and solve it anyway.
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I think the difference between RBR and MB marketing is the focus of their message.
MB is about the car - because that is their business.
RBR is about the person - because they want people to buy into the lifestyle.
Personalty and charisma are behind the Red Bull message, as shown by the number of Red Bull 'athletes' they back in various sports. In a strange way, Hamilton is a bad fit for Mercedes - so it only goes to show how much they value his performances on track that they will overlook his lack of 'corporate sensibility'.