Mercedes F1 courts Verstappen, though the champ shows little interest in leaving Red Bull.
Can the Door Still Be Left Open for a Potential Max Verstappen Transfer to Mercedes F1?
Toto Wolff, the director of the German team, still seemed hopeful during the Belgian Grand Prix, stating that there was no reason to promote Kimi Antonelli prematurely for 2025.
For Jacques Villeneuve, Canal+ consultant and 1997 world champion, the Austrian is right to try. When asked if he could see Verstappen anywhere other than Red Bull, the Canadian leans towards Mercedes F1.
“It depends on what’s available for Max Verstappen. There’s no room at McLaren. Would he be better treated at Mercedes? And would he take over from George Russell or Kimi Antonelli? Russell and Antonelli are both Mercedes products and have been significant investments.”
“Mercedes would probably like to sign Verstappen just to snatch the star driver from its major rival, Red Bull.”
“There isn’t a significantly better team for Verstappen at the moment, but in the long term, we’ll have to see. He’s spent his entire career in the Red Bull bubble, and it won’t be easy to recreate that comfortable atmosphere in another team.”
Johnny Herbert, a former F1 driver and consultant in the paddock, agrees with Villeneuve that Wolff is right to believe.
“There’s really only one place for Max, and that’s Mercedes. Toto Wolff is desperate for Max to join the team. The stars are aligning for a transfer there.”
“Max appears to be a driver who is beginning to lose respect for Red Bull. He’s making a few mistakes. The car is no longer as high-performing as it used to be. His frustrations are becoming publicly visible. I appreciate drivers who show passion! It’s a pressure he can handle going forward. That’s what the best in the sport can do, adopt a winning mentality.”
Meanwhile, Verstappen has reaffirmed his commitment to Red Bull, describing the team as “like a second family” to him in a podcast produced by his team before heading on holiday.
“Red Bull is obviously a special team for me. That first race with the team, winning immediately (Spain 2016) and the first championship are highlights.”
“That first race, of course, because I had just been promoted from Toro Rosso. Some people still wonder if it was the right decision. Fortunately, that weekend went very well. Of course, I was very happy, and Helmut Marko was too.”
“He was also very pleased, of course, as it was his decision to put me in that car.”
“That first title together, yes, that was very moving. Especially after a year like 2021, which demanded a lot from everyone. These are moments I will never forget.”
“But generally, also the relationship I have with the team. It’s really like a second family. I can really be myself here and that’s also something very important to me.”
Typically consensual words from Max in an interview conducted by Red Bull. Case—still—to be continued!
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Verstappen Targeted by Mercedes F1; Reluctant to Move Verstappen Targeted by Mercedes F1; Reluctant to Move
