Max Verstappen, the Dutch driver for Red Bull Racing, is at the top of the list of potential candidates for a seat with Mercedes in 2025, according to Toto Wolff, the boss of Mercedes Formula 1. This announcement comes after Lewis Hamilton’s surprising decision to move to Ferrari next season, leaving a vacant position at Mercedes. Verstappen’s impressive performance in the early stages of the 2024 season, coupled with the internal issues at Red Bull, has fueled speculation about a possible switch to Mercedes. Although Verstappen has clarified his commitment to Red Bull until 2028, Wolff is closely monitoring the situation and considering various options for the future. He emphasized that a decision will not be made in the immediate future and will depend on Verstappen’s choices. Some potential candidates mentioned by Wolff include Mercedes protege Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Formula 2 competitor, as well as Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz, who bring a wealth of experience to the table.
Mercedes had made an effort to secure Verstappen’s signature before his debut in Formula 1 at the age of 17 in 2015. However, they were unable to promise him an immediate promotion to the top tier of racing like Red Bull.
“I had the opportunity to observe his talent in Formula 3, and I have a close connection with his father,” Wolff reminisced. “We had a discussion at my residence in Vienna, contemplating our options.”
Unfortunately, I couldn’t offer him a seat in Formula 1. Instead, I suggested that we compete together in F2, which was known as GP2 at the time. We provided full financial support, and I guaranteed him a spot in the car for the following year.
To our dismay, they informed us that they had received an offer from Red Bull for an Alpha Tauri [Toro Rosso] seat, starting immediately. That was the end of our pursuit.
I knew we couldn’t compete with that offer. And halfway through the season, he replaced another driver at Red Bull and secured the seat. And now, he has become a three-time World Champion.”
When asked if it would be a complete cycle for Verstappen to eventually join Mercedes, Wolff responded, “Indeed, it would be a significant milestone in our relationship. However, the timing of such a move remains uncertain.”