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Toto Wolff shuts down Verstappen rumors: Mercedes’ focus shifts to next-gen talent

Arthur Ling by Arthur Ling
January 17, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Lewis Hamilton’s Bold Ferrari Leap: Toto Wolff Vows to Cheer Him On—But Only If Mercedes Can’t Win

Formula One F1 - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - December 5, 2024 Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff ahead of the grand prix REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has dismissed speculation that the team made an attempt to sign Max Verstappen for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Following Lewis Hamilton’s high-profile move to Ferrari, rumors swirled that the Silver Arrows would aim to poach Verstappen, the reigning world champion and Red Bull’s dominant force.

In a definitive statement, Wolff made it clear that such a move was never seriously pursued.


Hamilton’s exit sparks rumors, but Verstappen stays put

Hamilton’s announcement at the start of 2024 that he would leave Mercedes for Ferrari sent shockwaves through the paddock. This left a gaping hole in Mercedes’ driver lineup and led to speculation that Verstappen, with four consecutive championships under his belt, might be the ideal replacement.

Adding fuel to the fire were comments made by both Wolff and Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius over the past year, hinting at admiration for Verstappen’s talent. However, Wolff now insists that Verstappen’s clear commitment to Red Bull ended any possibility of talks.

“There was never a plan,” Wolff stated. “At some point, he [Verstappen] said that he wanted to stay where he was because it felt right for him.”


Mercedes’ focus shifts to youth with Kimi Antonelli

Instead of pursuing a megadeal with Verstappen, Mercedes turned its attention inward, promoting 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli from their driver academy. The young Italian phenom, regarded as one of the brightest prospects in the sport, will make his Formula 1 debut alongside George Russell in 2025.

Wolff emphasized that Antonelli’s promotion was the logical choice after Verstappen’s decision to remain with Red Bull.

“I said that we would go with Kimi because it also felt right for us. And now we’ll see where it takes us,” Wolff explained.

The team now faces the challenge of integrating Antonelli into the high-pressure world of F1 while maintaining competitiveness in the Constructors’ Championship.


Keeping the door open for Verstappen

Despite the firm denial, it’s clear that Mercedes hasn’t entirely closed the book on Verstappen. Wolff’s measured response hints at a potential opportunity in the future, should the Dutchman’s loyalty to Red Bull waver.

“Max is the best in the business right now,” an unnamed source within Mercedes commented. “If the stars align in the future, there’s no doubt we’d explore the possibility.”


The road ahead for Mercedes

With Red Bull continuing to dominate and Hamilton starting a new chapter at Ferrari, Mercedes is entering a new era. Antonelli’s rookie season will be critical for the team as they look to rebuild and challenge for titles once again. Meanwhile, Verstappen remains the benchmark in Formula 1, and any potential move to Mercedes will likely depend on the competitive landscape in the coming years.

For now, Wolff’s message is clear: Mercedes is focused on its own talent and future, leaving the Verstappen rumors firmly in the rearview mirror.

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