In a recent interview with Racer, Mercedes-AMG boss Toto Wolff revealed that the team is adopting a cautious approach regarding driver moves for the upcoming 2025 Formula 1 season as they await the decision of reigning champion Max Verstappen regarding his future with Red Bull. Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull extends until the conclusion of the 2028 season, making him a pivotal figure in the current F1 driver market.
Wolff emphasized Verstappen’s status as a leading driver and acknowledged that while there’s speculation about a potential departure from Red Bull, nothing is certain yet. Verstappen’s dominance in F1 over recent years adds to the intrigue surrounding his decision, which has effectively placed the rest of the driver market on hold.
While Verstappen’s future remains uncertain, Mercedes-AMG finds itself in a transitional phase following the departure of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari for the 2025 season. Wolff hinted at the possibility of future discussions with Verstappen regarding a seat at Mercedes but emphasized the need for patience to assess Verstappen’s intentions and evaluate other potential drivers.
One such driver in consideration is Carlos Sainz, who, despite being displaced from Ferrari to accommodate Hamilton, has demonstrated his prowess by securing victories amidst the Red Bull dominance. However, the departure of key personnel from Red Bull, including design maestro Adrian Newey, coupled with Mercedes’ promising advancements in power-unit development for the impending 2026 regulations, may sway the decision-making process.
Wolff acknowledged reports of technical personnel from Red Bull looking for opportunities elsewhere, corroborating McLaren boss Zak Brown’s statement regarding multiple approaches received by their team.
While Wolff downplayed these developments as “not anything out of the ordinary,” it underscores the fluidity of the F1 domain and the strategic considerations at play for teams like Mercedes-AMG navigating the intricacies of the driver market amidst Verstappen’s pivotal decision.