Toto Wolff, Mercedes team chief, has acknowledged his interest in a long-shot deal to sign Max Verstappen for the 2025 Formula One season.
The triple world champion has been the target of reports of unhappiness in the aftermath of the inquiry into Christian Horner, whose relationship with Verstappen’s father, Jos, is reported to be difficult.
Lewis Hamilton will leave Mercedes at the end of the F1 season to join Ferrari, prompting speculation that his current club would want to recruit Verstappen.
Despite the fact that the Dutchman has committed his future to Red Bull, Wolff is eager to put his dedication to the test.
“We have a slot free, the only one in the top teams – unless Max decides to go, in which case the slot will no longer be available with us,” he told Fox Sports during the Australian Grand Prix.
Wolff attempted to sign Verstappen as a teenager, but he joined Red Bull since Mercedes could not offer him an F1 seat right away – but the Austrian has maintained that he still has a good connection with Max’s important father Jos.
When asked if Verstappen would be his top pick, Wolff answered, “Yes.” You can see his performance levels, but I wouldn’t underestimate the others either.”
He went on to say: “It’s a kind of relationship that needs to happen at a certain stage, but we don’t know when.”
Wolff also suggested twice world champion Fernando Alonso, outgoing Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz, and Mercedes-backed F2 rookie Kimi Antonelli as potential candidates.
“Obviously, Fernando is really exciting, and Carlos is very good. “So there are a few,” he explained.