Wolff issues Verstappen Mercedes signing update ….. read more
Toto Wolff has provided an update on Mercedes’ pursuit of Max Verstappen, amid ongoing speculation about the Red Bull star’s future in Formula 1. Throughout 2024, Verstappen was linked with a potential move to Mercedes, especially after rumors suggested that Lewis Hamilton might leave the team to join Ferrari. Wolff had previously identified Verstappen as his “number one target” to replace Hamilton, which sparked further discussions about the future of both drivers. However, Wolff has now shifted focus, opting to invest in the team’s future by signing 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli for the 2025 season.
Antonelli is set to partner George Russell at Mercedes starting in 2025, which was confirmed ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. This decision marks a strategic move towards the long-term development of the team. Despite these changes, rumors surrounding Verstappen’s potential departure from Red Bull have not subsided. Some have speculated that the Dutch driver might leave the team once the 2026 regulations come into effect, particularly if Red Bull struggles to maintain its competitive edge in the changing F1 landscape.
Verstappen’s rumored discontent at Red Bull was fueled by a challenging period for the team, including a 10-race winless streak that raised questions about the stability of their performance. These factors led to speculation that Verstappen might leave Red Bull earlier than expected, with Mercedes seen as a possible destination. However, Wolff has emphasized that his team is not actively pursuing Verstappen for the near future.
When asked about his team’s interest in Verstappen, Wolff was clear, stating, “We need to concentrate on our driver line-up.” He further explained, “I don’t flirt outside if I’m in a good relationship, and that is true for this year too. So at the moment that is not on any radar.” This comment underscores Wolff’s commitment to the current driver pairing of Russell and the newly signed Antonelli. Wolff also noted that he plans to focus on securing a contract for George Russell soon, as Russell’s current deal expires at the end of 2025.
While the idea of Verstappen leaving Red Bull for a new team remains a subject of speculation, it seems that Mercedes is shifting its focus to its existing drivers. Aston Martin, another team frequently linked with Verstappen, has also denied any interest in acquiring the four-time world champion. Despite the ongoing rumors, Wolff’s recent statements suggest that Mercedes is content with its current lineup and not actively pursuing Verstappen for the upcoming seasons.
