In the world of Formula 1, few drivers have captured the attention quite like Max Verstappen. The young Dutchman’s dominance with Red Bull has fueled speculation about his potential future with other teams, and Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has now weighed in on the matter.
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Max Verstappen a Top Target for Mercedes, but Car Improvements Come First
During the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend, Wolff was asked about the possibility of Verstappen joining Mercedes, given the vacant seat for 2025 following Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari. While acknowledging the team’s interest, Wolff emphasized their current focus on improving their car’s performance.
“I’d love to have him,” Wolff admitted about Max Verstappen. “But first, we need to sort out our car. We owe it to our drivers, George [Russell] and Lewis, to improve the car and give them equipment that is good before dreaming about the future next year.”
Mercedes to Evaluate Driver Options as 2023 Season Progresses
Wolff revealed that Mercedes plans to carefully assess their driver options as the 2023 season unfolds, considering both young talents and experienced veterans. “We have a few interesting options, and the more we are able to assess how the season pans out, young drivers with us against slightly older ones – that’s not going to be a decision which we want to take in the next few weeks, it’s rather a few months depending on where it goes,” he explained.
When pressed about whether Max Verstappen is at the top of his list, Wolff acknowledged the unique opportunity the two-time world champion presents. “Let’s word it like this – I think this is a decision that Max needs to take, and there is no team up and down the grid who wouldn’t do handstands to have him in the car.”
Mercedes Confident in Their Ability to Bounce Back
Despite their recent struggles, Mercedes remains confident in their ability to regain their competitive edge. Wolff shed light on the team’s renewed optimism, stating, “It’s a different confidence that I have in the group this time around, because at a certain stage you’re basically ticking all the boxes of the unknown, and where we are today it’s been pretty clear where it points to.”
While acknowledging the challenge of beating Verstappen and Red Bull, Wolff expressed his belief in Mercedes’ potential to fight for podiums and victories once again. “Is it good enough to beat Max in a Red Bull? No, it’s not, but at least bringing ourselves back in a position of fighting for podiums and being right there. Yeah, hundred per cent sure we’re going to get there.”
