1st place Max Verstappen (NED) Red Bull Racing. May 19, 2024. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 7, Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Imola, Italy, Race Day.
The boss of Mercedes in Formula 1, Toto Wolff, is still determined to attract Max Verstappen away from Red Bull, despite acknowledging that his team is not currently competitive enough. Wolff is evaluating possible candidates to replace Lewis Hamilton, who caused chaos in the driver market by deciding to join Ferrari in 2025. The 52-year-old Austrian has publicly expressed his preference to replace one multiple F1 champion with another, namely Verstappen, who is under contract with Red Bull until 2028. However, Verstappen has repeatedly reaffirmed his commitment to Red Bull and emphasized that he values competitiveness over a high salary. Wolff understands that the chances of his team securing the highly sought-after services of Verstappen are slim unless they improve their performance on the track. In an interview with PA in Monaco last week, he stated: “Max will not drive a non-competitive car and, at the moment, we are not competitive enough to attract a world champion.” However, Wolff highlighted the recent resurgence of McLaren, from a team struggling to score points to now being a serious contender to Red Bull. He remains hopeful that Mercedes can make similar progress in the coming months, stating: “If we can improve the car by four tenths, we will be very competitive. I need to wait for the right moment. There is no rush.” It is said that Mercedes has cooled its interest in Carlos Sainz and would consider promoting their protege, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, if they cannot secure Verstappen’s services. Hamilton, who began his F1 career with McLaren in 2007, recently revealed that he would recommend the Italian driver to take his place at Mercedes. Reflecting on Hamilton’s unexpected move to Ferrari, Wolff understands the reason behind his decision to reverse the contract renewal with Mercedes, which was agreed upon last September. He stated: “That’s what he told me. He said he was staying and then decided to leave. But people change their minds, circumstances change, and you have to respect that. Today’s opinion can be different tomorrow, and I have no hard feelings. If Ferrari can provide Lewis with a competitive car, there is no doubt he can win a world championship. I will always have a personal relationship with Lewis and cherish the great moments we had together, both professionally and personally. When Lewis joins Ferrari, he will become a competitor, but I will always wish him the best.”
