Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has insisted Mercedes could be an “attractive” Formula 1 move for Max Verstappen, despite admitting it won’t transpire in 2025.
Wolff has gone public on several occasions with his desire to prise Verstappen to Mercedes at some stage as Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton’s long-term replacement.
But while Mercedes CEO Ola Kallenius ramped up its pursuit last week, Verstappen declared during the Austrian Grand Prix that he will remain with Red Bull next term.
Although the competition has closed up this season, Red Bull’s RB20 in Verstappen’s hands has continued to hold an edge over the rest as he boasts an 81-point lead.
However, Wolff believes the convergence at the sharp end bodes well going into 2026 when new technical regulations are introduced on the aero, chassis and engine.
Wolff is pinning his hopes on the German marque being an “attractive” destination once that overhaul arrives being enough to entice Verstappen to complete a switch.
“Would Max Verstappen consider joining Mercedes in 2025? No. There is no reason. Why would he?” he told Sky Sports F1.
“The [Red Bull] car is ultra-dominant. Maybe he’s going to win every race, and a driver will always seek that kind of machine.
“That has changed over the last few weeks and months.
“There are three teams that were competing against each other. Hopefully we can demonstrate that we are part of this group now too.
“So maybe there’s a window but 2026 is our main year where lots of things change, and I think it could be quite attractive to drive with us.
“But whether it’s Max, and whether he can get out of his contract, I don’t know.”
Wolff has conceded he’s uncertain about reports Verstappen’s Red Bull future is tied to advisor Helmut Marko, acknowledging that he does “not know what form it is.”
The Austrian, 52, has proclaimed that he is striving to guide Mercedes into a position where it is competitive enough to be an attractive destination to the elite drivers.
“I think in any case, if a driver doesn’t want to stay somewhere, it’s very difficult to keep a driver but I’m not relying on that.
“I think most important is to look at ourselves. Quick cars are always going to attract the attention of a quick driver. So that’s our main priority.
“All of these driver movements here is not the end of the story.”
But with Red Bull boss Christian Horner having remained adamant that his star driver will remain with the team, Marko has now claimed that Wolff’s pursuit is a “wish”.
“Above all, I think Wolff’s wish is the father of the thought,” Marko told Sky Deutschland. “Our starting point has remained unchanged.
“As long as Red Bull provides Verstappen with a competitive car, and as long as he feels good, there is no reason for him to leave the team.”
