The explanation for point 2 on why the boards can be a factor too on why TW panics at CH mentioning/courting GR
Let's talk about several members of the boards who would be the most impacted if GR leaves
1. Ola: Did not want to risk losing team leader (esp when the other driver cant even drive cleanly INSIDE the track and relies on his RE heavily) + mega projects in AMG + Greater China market investment (there is no way the whole industry planting is done without him knowing esp in such an important market like Greater China and is AMG/Benz endorsed intiatives) + AMG EV promotions investment esp in Asia -> Greater China
2. Ollie: Chinese market investment (heavy on media relations + customer experience + sponsors) + long term projects planning + AMG EV project investment as development driver/product ambassador -> this would be very troublesome especially if BYD is in the picture as a threat (i'd be mad if i was him LMAO because whatever BYD will do with George if they had him, will 100% be better than MB China)
3. Michael/Next AMG CEO (Stefan): AMG EV project investment as development driver/product ambassador + other long term projects planning
Why Media Relations is also a factor in Ollie's case (if BYD were to be the one to make a move)?
One of the only chinese media playing the biggest hand in F1, specifically on George Russell's promotion and reporting rn is Tencent (I'd even say this is a monopoly lol in George's case)
Between BYD and MB China, foreign vs national company, I am pretty sure there is going to be a clear nationalism bias had BYD try to poach GR and use him as an ambassador for their EV which will probably set a 75% chance for Tencent to tilt to BYD than whoever Mercedes is pushing. Also BYD can go all out and put more investment into highlighting GR.
Other than that? Surely Tencent will reconsider other factors such as they might actually be more interested in George rather than any new driver that were to be pushed due to the long developing connections between their part and George (Tencent reporter often giving him gifts + George being very open, welcoming, and acknowledging towards Tencent). Also the already growing fanbase + their favorability towards Tencent's reporting of George could shake things up.
I think media relations with Tencent is the most important part because Beijing Benz-Tencent monopoly on GR did not just create a mutually beneficial partnership between corporations but probably had already gone beyond that where they had personal bonds between Tencent and GR himself. That is a cherry on top to the already strong local company BYD factor.
