Wolff "capitulates"
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After the turbulent start to the season at the Austrian-British racing team Red Bull, there seems to be a clear trend when it comes to the future of Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen. Even Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff shares this opinion.
The Dutchman will drive "100 percent" for the current industry leader in 2025, said team boss Christian Horner on Sky in Suzuka on Friday. Triple champion Verstappen emphasized the day before that he was "very happy" to be with Red Bull at the moment.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, who is definitely interested in signing Verstappen, sees the situation similarly to Horner. "Max is in the best car and as a driver that will always be the priority. It's nice to have these discussions," said the Viennese. "But at the moment I don't see any reason why he should change teams." Although Max is "super strong", there are also other drivers as good alternatives. "It's not just about 2025, we're also talking about 2026 and beyond. Everything is open," added Wolff.
Wolff: "We still have time"
There has been speculation for weeks that Verstappen could leave the Austro racing team early due to a special clause, despite a contract that is still valid until 2028. Mercedes wants to sign the 26-year-old as the successor to Lewis Hamilton, who will be driving for Ferrari from next year. Overall, the driver market is very dynamic, said Wolff. "It's far too early to commit to a driver. The next few months will bring us some insights."
The 42-year-old former champion Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), who wants to decide on his F1 future by the summer at the latest, the 17-year-old super talent Kimi Antonelli from the team's own junior program or the retired Sebastian Vettel could also be an option. "Sebastian is a name that cannot be discussed," emphasized Wolff, however. The German still has to form his own opinion as to whether he wants to come back at all. "It's a bit of a flirtation at the moment after he drove the sports car (in a test, ed.). We will definitely talk, but we will anyway."
The explosive clause
Verstappen should be able to say goodbye to Red Bull if his close confidant Helmut Marko has to leave prematurely. As Red Bull's motorsport consultant, the 80-year-old Styrian is Horner's opponent in a controversial affair. Horner was accused of inappropriate behavior by an employee.
Following an investigation initiated by the parent company Red Bull, the complaint was dismissed. However, anonymous emails with juicy details fueled the affair, which in turn brought to light power struggles at Red Bull between the Austrian and Thai owners.
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