For the first time, Toto Wolff has stated that he would adore having Max Verstappen at Mercedes, while Christian Horner, the head of Red Bull, has acknowledged that no person is more important than the team.
Verstappen’s future at Red Bull is under scrutiny due to internal conflicts at the top Formula One team.
The Dutchman hinted that he may shockingly leave Red Bull if racing advisor Helmut Marko is forced out after winning the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Saturday. It was his second victory of the season and his tenth in a row.
Red Bull’s investigation into Horner may result in a suspension for Marko, though the 80-year-old Austrian stated before Saturday’s race that he plans to continue. This information surfaced this weekend.
But Mercedes, which is looking to replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton in 2025, is on high alert due to the turmoil at Red Bull.
And in response to a question about whether Verstappen switching teams would be beneficial for Formula One after Saturday’s race in Jeddah, Wolff said, “I would love to have him.”
However, we must first organize our car. Before thinking about the future for next year, we owe it to our present drivers to make improvements to the vehicle and provide them with high-quality equipment.
In the opening round of the 2024 Formula One season, Red Bull secured two victories out of two. (Picture: Getty)
Then, Wolff was questioned about if Verstappen—whose contract expires in 2028—was now at the top of his list.
“Let’s put it in this way,” he answered. Every team on the grid would do handstands to have Max in their car, but it’s a decision that Max needs to make.
Verstappen is the clear favorite to win the world championship for the fourth time in a row, having won 19 of the last 20 Formula One races.
George Russell and Hamilton finished only sixth and ninth on Saturday, respectively, and Mercedes has only had one triumph since the end of 2021.
In response to Wolff’s remarks, Horner remarked, “I know every paddock team would love to have Max, but the best drivers want to be in the best cars, as Toto also said.”
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See More Narratives “Our Team” Today marks Max’s 56th victory and 100th podium, all of which came from Red Bull Racing vehicles.
However, a piece of paper cannot make someone go anyplace. I won’t push someone to be here against their will if they don’t want to be on the team.
“Max has been with us since he was eighteen, and I have no doubt about his dedication and passion, but the team is bigger than any one person.”
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