Motor racing – Mercedes would do handstands to have Verstappen says Wolff

In JEDDAH, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff expressed his admiration for Red Bull’s triple world champion Max Verstappen, stating that Mercedes would do anything to have him drive for them. However, Wolff emphasized the importance of first creating a car that matches Verstappen’s exceptional skills on the track.

Verstappen’s recent dominance in Formula One, winning 19 out of the last 20 races and securing his second win of the season in Saudi Arabia, has sparked speculation about his future with Red Bull. This speculation was fueled by allegations made by a female team employee against Red Bull principal Christian Horner, although Horner has since been cleared of the accusations.

Despite Red Bull’s strong performance, tensions have arisen within the team, particularly with Verstappen’s father Jos suggesting that the team could face internal challenges if Horner remains in charge. Wolff expressed his desire to have Verstappen on the Mercedes team, especially with a vacant spot for the 2025 season following Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari.

However, Wolff acknowledged the need to prioritize improving Mercedes’ current car before considering future driver acquisitions. He highlighted the importance of providing their current drivers, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, with competitive equipment before making any decisions about the upcoming season.

When asked if Verstappen was their top target, Wolff confirmed that every team in the Formula One grid would eagerly welcome a driver of Verstappen’s caliber. Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until 2028, and Horner has expressed confidence that the talented driver will fulfill his current agreement.

Wolff mentioned that Mercedes is exploring several potential options for their 2025 driver lineup, emphasizing the need to assess the ongoing season before making any final decisions. Both young and experienced drivers are being considered, with the team planning to make a decision in the coming months based on how the season progresses.

Despite a solid performance in Saudi Arabia, with Russell finishing sixth and Hamilton ninth after starting in seventh and eighth positions, the Mercedes team acknowledged the need to address weaknesses in their car’s high-speed performance. Hamilton expressed frustration at the lack of progress in this area over the past three years and called for significant changes to be made.

As Mercedes continues to evaluate their options for the future and work on enhancing their car’s performance, the Formula One community eagerly awaits updates on potential driver signings and developments within the team. The ongoing competition and strategic decisions signal an exciting season ahead for fans and participants alike.

(Writing by Alan Baldwin in London, editing by Ken Ferris)