Despite contract with Red Bull running until 2028, recent internal conflicts within the team have sparked speculation about the possibility of the Dutch driver considering other options.
The situation escalated during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend when Verstappen hinted at the prospect of leaving Red Bull if his ally, Helmut Marko, faced departure.
Toto Wolff, eyeing a replacement for Lewis Hamilton in 2025, has been closely monitoring the developments surrounding Verstappen and Red Bull. Wolff was seen in discussions with Jos Verstappen and driver manager Raymond Vermeulen during the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend.
Expressing his interest in recruiting Verstappen, Wolff emphasized the need for Mercedes to enhance its car performance, as it currently lags behind Red Bull. He stressed the importance of prioritizing improvements for their current drivers, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, before contemplating future signings.
Wolff acknowledged that the decision ultimately lies with Verstappen, recognizing the appeal he holds for any Formula 1 team.
As the driver market remains fluid, Mercedes is evaluating various options, including Formula 2 driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli. With experienced drivers like Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso also linked to potential moves, Wolff emphasized the importance of patience in making a decision.
Mercedes intends to assess the progress of the season before finalizing their plans, indicating that they will not rush the decision on a new teammate for George Russell, and it may take several months to unfold.
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