Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO).
Mercedes will no longer have Lewis Hamilton in its lineup come 2025. The seven-time world champion will be leaving the Silver Arrows to race for Scuderia Ferrari next year. This has put pressure on the Brackley-based team to find a suitable replacement for the Briton. Now, Toto Wolff has hinted that no driver might be off-limits for the team including Max Verstappen.
The Austrian billionaire was asked if Verstappen could be the ideal candidate to replace Hamilton. Wolff reckoned that the team would try to get the best driver to fill the shoes of the seven-time world champion. The 52-year-old did not dismiss the possibility of contacting the reigning world champion.
We will always try to have the best possible combination in our car and seek out these discussions.Toto Wolff said as reported by PlanetF1
Max Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull till the end of 2028. On paper, this should eliminate the Dutchman from the team’s list. However, Toto Wolff highlighted that the situation in the F1 driver market could change quickly while pointing at Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari move. The 39-year-old had extended his contract with the Silver Arrows just five months prior. However, the Mercedes team boss claimed that the team would respect the current driver contracts on the grid.
You can see how quickly the situation can change. At the same time, we respect contracts that exist.
The 52-year-old highlighted that the Silver Arrows would be looking to prove themselves as the best option for any driver on the grid. Mercedes could entice someone like Max Verstappen if the Brackley-based squad can build the fastest car in the short and long term. Wolff reckoned that the ball was in the court of the Silver Arrows regarding the same.
Drivers always want to be in the fastest car. It’s up to us to demonstrate that we can build the fastest car – not just in the short and medium term, but also in the long term. This will then lead to opportunities. The ball is in our court.
Could Max Verstappen actually join Mercedes?
Mercedes tried to poach Max Verstappen before the Dutchman made his F1 debut. However, the Silver Arrows couldn’t get a seat for the then-17-year-old on the 2015 grid. Subsequently, Verstappen decided to enter the sport with Toro Rosso.
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)
Perhaps, the three-time world champion could finally race for the Silver Arrows at the pinnacle of motorsport. However, Mercedes are no longer the dominant force in the sport. Verstappen has established himself as an all-time great at Red Bull. With Milton Keynes showing no signs of a drop in performance.
Hence, it is unlikely that Max Verstappen would opt to race for Mercedes. The reigning world champion is happy at Red Bull. Moreover, Mercedes’ present struggles make it a less convincing prospect as well. However, this is Formula 1 and it doesn’t take long for things to change completely.
