Max Verstappen could still join Mercedes as Toto Wolff bats eyelashes at F1 star
Mercedes' hopes of bringing Max Verstappen to Brackley are not completely over as they continue their pursuit of the three-time world champion.
Toto Wolff believes that ‘the fastest car’ won’t be the only factor deciding Max Verstappen’s F1 future, claiming that Mercedes don’t need to ‘convince him’ to switch Milton Keynes for Brackley. The eight-time constructor champions are holding out for the chance to sign the Dutchman for the 2025 season and beyond.
Related articles
While to many, the prospect of Verstappen leaving Red Bull at the end of this season seems a near impossibility, Wolff continues to see the 26-year-old as his prime target to replace Lewis Hamilton for 2025 and beyond.
The off-track tensions in the Red Bull camp that threatened to destabilise Verstappen’s position within the team appear to have calmed from the outside, but Wolff seems to believe that there are still some sore points that Mercedes can exploit.
“There are so many factors that play a role for a driver joining,” he explained. “Clearly when you look at it from the most rational point of view, you can say ‘That’s the quickest car in the hands of the quickest driver’. But I don’t think this is the only reason you stay where you are.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“I think for, let’s say simple minds, that might be the only reason why you stay in a car and that’s it but maybe there are more depths for some people that consider other factors too. I think that Max has that. In that respect, are we able to convince him? I don’t think it’s a matter of convincing.
“I think that Max knows motor racing better than anyone, he will take decisions that he feels are good for him. I think a few factors play a role, but he’s the one that is going to trigger some more domino stones to fall in afterwards. Everybody is waiting for what he’s going to do.”
More F1...
Daniel Ricciardo goes in on Lance Stroll after Aston Martin star rammed into him [DRAMA]
Rosberg unimpressed by Norris as Brit's attitude questioned after Chinese GP [OPINION]
Lando Norris 'might be in trouble' as Chandhok worries for Brit after Chinese GP [LATEST]
Wolff’s relentless pursuit of Verstappen’s signature has come with the risk of missing out on other key targets. The Austrian has already revealed that Mercedes have narrowed down their shortlist, which is believed to contain Kimi Antonelli and Carlos Sainz, alongside the reigning three-time world champion.
However, Mercedes’ willingness to wait for Verstappen’s decision has already cost them the chance to sign Fernando Alonso after he penned a new multi-year deal with Aston Martin, and with Sainz a key target for both Red Bull and Audi, time is of the essence for the Silver Arrows.
