Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff has revealed he is not in talks with Max Verstappen over a switch to the team in 2025 as its focus remains on improving the car.
Lewis Hamilton’s choice to activate an exit clause in his existing deal to pursue a move to Ferrari from next season has created a vacant drive at Mercedes next term.
Wolff has gone public regarding his desire to prise Verstappen to the German marque in 2025 as he strives to capitalise on the earlier unrest inside the Red Bull team.
However, Verstappen has continued to rack up victories as he charges towards a fourth straight title and has expressed his intention to see out his deal through 2028.
But while Mercedes protege Andrea Kimi Antonelli, competing in Formula 2, is poised to be handed the seat, Wolff has insisted that an outcome was not forthcoming.
Asked whether reports that Antonelli, who is eligible to drive in F1 prior to turning 18, has been promised the spot, Wolff said: “No, no driver decision has been made.
“I said we want to keep this decision as long as possible because who knows what will happen.”
Despite Wolff continuing to have hope that Verstappen could be persuaded to depart Red Bull, he has admitted that Mercedes’ focus has to be on improving its pace.
Mercedes has taken huge strides in recent rounds since resolving the previous balance limitations with the W15 to register successive podiums in Canada and Spain.
“I think we just need to continue to improve and look at ourselves,” he conceded.
“The most important is as a team with our drivers, Lewis and George, we’ve just got to get better and hopefully consolidate our ability to be on the podium.
“And at a certain stage be able to win races on our own. And if you have a good car, good drivers will want to come.”
Amid rumours in Miami that Mercedes has tabled a lucrative proposal to Verstappen, Wolff is adamant conversations with the Dutchman’s camp have not been held.
“No, there’s no talks taking place at that stage, because I think we need to look at ourselves and on improving the car,” he reiterated.
Verstappen has prevailed in the past two races despite Red Bull not having the fastest car, and Wolff has credited the reigning champion as being a difference-maker.
“I think the McLaren looked very quick,” he said regarding the battle between Verstappen’s narrow win over Lando Norris’ McLaren in Spain. “How quick? I don’t know.
“I think that Max always has a little bit in the pocket and can make the difference.
“Definitely these two [McLaren and Red Bull] at the moment, there is not a lot between them but these two, but they are definitely setting the benchmark.”
