For the first time, Toto Wolff shared that he would really like to have Max Verstappen at Mercedes. Max Verstappen at Mercedes – as Red Bull boss Christian Horner admitted no individual is bigger than the team.
Verstappen’s future at Red Bull is being questioned due to the internal conflicts at Formula One’s leading team.
The Dutch driver, who won the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Saturday, hinted at the possibility of leaving Red Bull if Helmut Marko is forced out.
It was revealed this weekend that Marko might be suspended as part of Red Bull’s investigation into Horner, but the 80-year-old Austrian stated before Saturday’s race that he plans to continue.
However, the turmoil at Red Bull has alerted Mercedes, who are looking for a replacement for Lewis Hamilton in 2025 due to his move to Ferrari.
When asked after Saturday’s race in Jeddah if it would be beneficial for Formula One for Verstappen to change teams, Wolff said: ‘I would love to have him.
‘But first we need to improve our car. We need to make sure our current drivers have good equipment before thinking about next year.’
Wolff was then asked if Verstappen, whose contract runs until 2028, was now his top choice.
‘Let’s put it this way,’ he responded. ‘It is a decision that Max needs to make and every team in the paddock would love to have him in their car.’
Verstappen has won 19 of the last 20 F1 races and is heavily favored to win his fourth consecutive world championship.
Mercedes have only claimed one victory since the end of 2021, and George Russell and Hamilton finished sixth and ninth respectively on Saturday.
In response to Wolff’s remarks, Horner stated: ‘I'm sure every team in the paddock would love to have Max, but as Toto said, the best drivers want to be in the best cars.
‘We are a team. Max has achieved his 56th win and his 100th podium today – all with Red Bull Racing cars.
‘But you can’t make someone stay at a team just because of a contract. If someone doesn't want to be with the team, I won’t force them to stay.
‘Max has been with us since he was 18 and I believe in his commitment and passion, but no one is more important than the team.’
