Max Verstappen, the Dutch driver from Red Bull Racing, is at the top of the list of potential candidates for a spot at Mercedes in 2025, according to Toto Wolff, head of Mercedes Formula 1. This announcement comes after Lewis Hamilton’s surprising decision to move to Ferrari next season, leaving a vacancy at Mercedes. Verstappen’s impressive performance in the early stages of the 2024 season, along with internal issues at Red Bull, fueled speculation about a possible move to Mercedes. Although Verstappen has clarified his commitment to Red Bull until 2028, Wolff is closely monitoring the situation and considering various options for the future. He emphasized that a decision will not be made in the immediate future and will depend on Verstappen’s choices. Some potential candidates mentioned by Wolff include Mercedes protege Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a Formula 2 competitor, as well as Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz, who bring a wealth of experience to the table.
Mercedes made an effort to secure Verstappen’s signature before his Formula 1 debut at 17 years old in 2015. However, they could not promise him an immediate promotion to the top of racing like Red Bull.
“I had the opportunity to observe his talent in Formula 3 and have a close connection with his father,” Wolff recalled. “We had a discussion at my residence in Vienna, contemplating our options.”
Unfortunately, I could not offer him a place in Formula 1. Instead, I suggested we compete together in F2, which was then known as GP2. We provided full financial support and guaranteed him a seat in the car for the following year.
To our disappointment, they informed us that they had received an offer from Red Bull for a spot at Alpha Tauri [Toro Rosso], starting immediately. That was the end of our pursuit.
I knew we couldn’t compete with that offer. And halfway through the season, he replaced another driver at Red Bull and secured the spot. And now, he has become a three-time world champion.”
When asked if it would be a complete cycle for Verstappen to eventually join Mercedes, Wolff replied: “Indeed, it would be a significant milestone in our relationship. However, the timing of a change like that remains uncertain.”
