
Lewis still has a contract to fulfill with Ferrari. I’d be surprised if Ferrari were to offer him a contract extension after 2027. Michael returned to F1 with Mercedes at the request of Ross Brawn. The Mercedes wasn’t really a shitbox either. Vettel didn’t really have a choice after being let go by Ferrari. Plus he was mentally checked out from F1 after 2018.
The new 50/50 engines really leave a lot more to be desired with the new aero/chassis regulations. Max has clearly always been one of those drivers that drives the car to its absolute limit. He can’t really do that with the new engines that are so heavily dependent on energy harvesting.