Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has left the door open to signing Max Verstappen, despite the three-time champion confirming he will be at Red Bull in 2025.
The Austrian was ready to bring in Verstappen from Red Bull to replace Lewis Hamilton, who has signed for Ferrari and launched something of a public charm offensive in recent months.
The Silver Arrows are in a period where they need a driver to take the lead in their return to the top of the grid. Although they have George Russell, the Brit still did not show what was originally expected.
Mercedes began to turn around its performance at the Canadian Grand Prix, which saw the team’s first pole position and first podium of the current season. The continuation followed at the last race in Barcelona.
Lewis Hamilton was the one with the new podium, and Mercedes declared that the backlog is not a realistic state of what they can do. The car is exactly what the German team needs to attract top drivers.
The three-time champion declared that his intention is to stay with Red Bull for 2025, but he also warned Red Bull to improve their car when the competition has arrived, so there could be unexpected turns here as well.
When the Mercedes boss was told the three-time champion had said he would stay at Red Bull until 2025, he described how the team would not change its approach to taking its time in choosing Hamilton’s successor.
“Did Max really say yes? I don’t think he said it literally, but I wasn’t there,” Wolff told OE24.
“We will keep the seat open as long as possible, but above all it is up to us to make our car faster. If the car is fast, more fast drivers will want to drive for us.”
“I’ve said that many times lately. Max Verstappen is the best driver at the moment and he is an outstanding driver.”
“Everybody who sees any opportunity wants it in the car. [Mercedes-Benz CEO] Ola Kallenius thinks the same.”
