Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff asserts that he is in no rush to make a decision on who will replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton in the team’s line-up in 2025.
The bombshell revelation that Hamilton has activated a break clause in his deal to agree a switch to Ferrari has left an opening at Mercedes alongside George Russell.
Both Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris penned recent extensions with Ferrari and McLaren respectively, while Max Verstappen is tied to Red Bull until the end of 2028.
However, the fallout from the completed investigation into allegations against Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has seen Verstappen’s future be speculated.
Despite Horner being cleared of claims of inappropriate behaviour, the Dutchman’s father Jos suggested that the Red Bull chief’s presence could “tear” the team apart.
Jos Verstappen was spotted talking with Wolff in the paddock after the Bahrain Grand Prix, while the two are rumoured to have had dinner earlier in the race weekend.
But with Mercedes trailing a seismic 48 seconds behind the champion in the Red Bull at the season-opener, Wolff is realistic about the chances of signing Verstappen.
When asked about Mercedes lining up a shock swoop for Verstappen, Wolff said: “A driver will always choose the quickest car, that is fundamentally what it is all about.”
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has poured further fire onto the discussion, though, with comments to F1 Insider: “As far as I’m concerned, I won’t stand in Max’s way.”
At this stage, the Red Bull situation remains an evolving one, and it seems implausible that Verstappen could elect to depart the pre-eminent force in F1 as it stands.
Wolff had stated following the announcement that the German marque was open to assessing the available options from an established driver to an upcoming star.
Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso is the sole World Champion on the F1 grid available for 2025, while Carlos Sainz, who will depart for Hamilton, could also be considered.
However, Mercedes prospect Andrea Kimi Antonelli has been touted to be in the frame for a surprise promotion having made the step from FRECA to Formula 2 in 2024.
But the Italian, 17, endured a baptism of fire on his F2 debut in Bahrain as renowned single-seater specialists Prema sustained a nightmare weekend, scoring one point.
“A title-winning team in 17th and 18th, that’s not where they should be, you can look against the team-mate,” Wolff said.
“First race. I am almost guilty of talking him up too much. We see how the next few races pan out. We are in no hurry to make a decision on drivers.”
