Mercedes has ramped up its bid to entice Max Verstappen to come to its Formula 1 team, with CEO Ola Kallenius admitting that he desires to see a move materialise.
The German marque will have a revised driver line-up next season amid Lewis Hamilton’s choice earlier this year to agree upon a blockbuster switch to Ferrari in 2025.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has been adamant that his main ambition is to acquire Verstappen, who holds a 69-point lead as he aims to earn a fourth consecutive title.
But with the Dutchman continuing to seize victories, Verstappen has insisted that he sees no reason to seek a premature exit from his Red Bull contract through 2028.
However, Kallenius has highlighted the regulation overhaul in 2026 as a chance for Mercedes to return to the top and become an attractive proposition to Verstappen.
“The best driver wants to have the best car. And that’s our job, to bring the best package together,” Kallenius told Sky Germany.
“The cards will be reshuffled in 2026. New order with new rules. That’s also an opportunity. Who knows.
“But I think Max would look good in silver, wouldn’t he?”
Wolff reiterated his decision to divulge that outgoing Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz will be overlooked comes down to wanting to begin a long-term venture at Mercedes.
Should Verstappen opt to remain with Red Bull in 2025 the Austrian has all but announced that Mercedes prospect Andrea Kimi Antonelli will partner George Russell.
“We want to go in a completely new generation. If it is with Kimi or see what Max does,” Wolff told DAZN during last weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix.
“I didn’t want to have Carlos wait anymore. I think we may take a decision in November.
“Carlos is a race winner in Ferrari but it all came down to the decision that Ferrari said: ‘We want to have Lewis Hamilton in the car for next year.’”
Wolff also disclosed in Barcelona that “no decision had been made” on who will replace Hamilton as he is prepared to wait to see what transpires with Verstappen.
“No driver decision has been made,” he outlined. “I said we want to keep this decision as long as possible because who knows what will happen,” he said.
