Max Verstappen has been working with Red Bull since 2016. The recent bombshell move to Ferrari by Toto Wolff and Max Verstappen has created a vacancy at Mercedes. The team is actively exploring driver options for the 2025 season. In the midst of this, Verstappen has been seen as the top choice to fill the vacant seat left by the seven-time world champion. However, it is unlikely that Verstappen will leave his contract with Red Bull for Brackley.
Verstappen has made it clear that not even a sum of “$250 Million” would entice him to leave the Austrian constructor in Formula 1. Toto Wolff, on the other hand, has not ruled out the possibility of seeing the 26-year-old driver join Mercedes. F1 commentator Schiff believes that teams will be looking for the best drivers for the 2025 season and beyond. If Mercedes had even a small chance of acquiring Verstappen, it would be imprudent for them to let this opportunity pass.
Schiff also discussed the pressures faced by F1 drivers and the importance of their performance on the track. According to the Rwandan presenter, a driver’s performance serves as an audition to showcase their racing skills. The most recent performance of a driver is taken into consideration when evaluating them for a position in a specific team. This constant pressure is something that Verstappen experiences at Mercedes.
Toto Wolff had previously stated that George Russell would be the main driver after Hamilton’s departure. However, a driver like Verstappen could easily claim the lead role based solely on his racing abilities. This puts Russell at the highest risk of losing his status as the main driver at Mercedes if Verstappen joins the team.
Naomi Schiff believes that Russell is aware of this situation and that is why he is under pressure. The 26-year-old driver is looking for ways to prove his racing skills to the team. Schiff suggests that a win by Russell would be the ideal scenario to eliminate the risk of being Verstappen’s partner at Mercedes next season.
Despite potentially having better opportunities elsewhere, Verstappen will continue to showcase his talent in races with Red Bull. The Dutchman remains loyal to the energy drink manufacturer in Formula 1. It is even possible that Verstappen may consider retiring with Milton Keynes, establishing himself as one of the most successful drivers in Red Bull’s history.
