World Formula 1 Championship, WM, Weltmeisterschaft Rd19, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Qualifying, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Saturday, November 22, 2014. Max Verstappen NDL Scuderia Toro Rosso and Toto Wolff AUT Mercedes AMG F1 Motorsport Director. World Formula 1 Championship, Rd19, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Qualifying, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Saturday, November 22, 2014. This image is property of EAA. Please refer to terms and conditions for use. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxONLY dpl1422no023
The Dutch three-time Formula 1 world champion is currently under contract with Red Bull until 2028, but his future with the team has been called into question due to tensions between his father Jos and team boss Christian Horner.
Mercedes will lose their seven-time F1 world champion, Hamilton, to Ferrari at the end of the season. This leaves a vacant seat, which was recently filled by Carlos Sainz, winner of the Australian Grand Prix.
During an interview in Melbourne with Fox Sports Australia, Mercedes team boss Wolff revealed that they have an open seat in their top teams, but it depends on Verstappen deciding whether or not to leave Red Bull. Wolff acknowledged Verstappen’s exceptional performance, but also recognized that there are other talented drivers to consider.
Wolff admitted that he missed the opportunity to sign Verstappen when he was a teenager, as Red Bull had a spot available for him at Toro Rosso. At the time, Wolff couldn’t offer him an immediate place in Formula 1 and had bet on Esteban Ocon instead.
Although Wolff has a good relationship with Jos Verstappen and has discussed future possibilities with him in Vienna, the driver had already received an offer from Red Bull. Wolff acknowledged that the timing of a partnership like this is crucial, but it is still unclear when it will happen.
In addition to Verstappen, Wolff mentioned other potential options for Mercedes, including two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz, and Mercedes-supported F2 rookie Kimi Antonelli. Each of these drivers brings their own qualities and strengths.
Verstappen did not completely rule out the possibility of joining Mercedes in the long term, but expressed his satisfaction with Red Bull, referring to them as his “second family.” He also stated that it would be a remarkable story to end his Formula 1 career with the team.
Mercedes, once a dominant force in the sport, had a winless season last year and suffered a double retirement in Melbourne, which was the first since 2018. (Reporting by Alan Baldwin)
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