SUZUKA, JAPAN – APRIL 6: Pole position Max Verstappen from the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing attend the press conference after qualifying for the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka International Circuit on April 6, 2024 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
In 2025, Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari presents a challenging task for Toto Wolff, who must find a replacement for the seven-time Formula 1 champion next year.
The start of the 2024 Red Bull season was marked by turbulence due to the scandal involving Christian Horner. Behind the scenes in Milton Keynes, a power struggle intensified, increasing the likelihood of Max Verstappen’s departure. However, the situation temporarily stabilized.
Considering the animosities that arose from Verstappen’s intense battle with Hamilton for the 2021 title, a move to Mercedes seemed unlikely. Their rivalry was marked by several points of conflict, including the incident at Silverstone, where Verstappen crashed into the wall and ended up in the hospital after being touched by Hamilton’s Mercedes. Despite winning the race, Hamilton’s post-race celebrations were considered disrespectful by Verstappen, who was still recovering.
Throughout the season, Verstappen and Hamilton had more clashes, especially in Monza, where Verstappen’s car ended up on top of Hamilton’s car, causing both to retire from the race.
In the controversial season finale in Abu Dhabi, Verstappen denied Hamilton an eighth Formula 1 title. However, the relationship between the Red Bull driver and the Mercedes team suffered irreparable damage, or at least it seemed so.
In the world of Red Bull, where tensions are high and Verstappen reflects on his future, Wolff could not resist the temptation to further destabilize the team. He boldly claimed that Verstappen was at the forefront of his list of possible replacements for Hamilton.
The admiration expressed by the Austrian towards Verstappen was so effusive that one could be forgiven for thinking that the 2021 Formula 1 season never happened. However, that is the level of maneuvering and manipulation in the world of Formula 1.
During the Japanese Grand Prix weekend, Wolff confidently declared that Verstappen would not be left behind in the race for the 2024 title. These comments were brought to the attention of the three-time Formula 1 champion during the post-race press conference, where he was asked about his belief in winning his fourth Formula 1 title.
“Lately, Toto has been incredibly complimentary, saying many kind things about me!” Verstappen joked, before getting into the subject. He continued: “No, I don’t know. There is still a long way to go until the end of the season.
“I prefer not to worry too much about the rest of the season. I want to take it one race at a time. I am aware that there will be future tracks that may not be favorable for us. However, when we come across tracks where we know we can stand out, we must seize the opportunity and score as many points as possible as a team. That is what we will continue to strive for.
“And, of course, we are aware that there will be tracks where it may be more challenging, and we must also strive to maximize our performance in those situations, where other teams may also have a chance of winning,” he concluded.
Although Wolff’s prediction that Verstappen will win his fourth title in 2024 may be accurate, one cannot help but question his sincerity in expressing his desire to have him at Mercedes in 2025. In the world of Formula 1, nothing can be completely ruled out.
© 2024
A new record was set in the world of sports today. Brazilian athlete João Silva won the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. With an incredible performance, he surpassed all his opponents and became the undisputed champion of the competition.
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The Tokyo Olympics continue to surprise and delight the world. Each day, new records are broken and incredible stories are told. João Silva is just one example of these stories, and his triumph is a reminder of the power of sports to unite people and inspire great achievements.
