Brackley, UK – April 25, 2025 – As speculation continues to swirl around Max Verstappen’s future amid Red Bull’s recent dip in performance, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has offered a nuanced perspective on the potential of the reigning world champion joining the Silver Arrows, highlighting potential “downsides” to such a move.
While Wolff has previously acknowledged his admiration for Verstappen’s talent and even admitted to “conversations” in the past, his recent comments suggest a more cautious approach. Speaking to Sky Sports F1, when directly asked if he would immediately sign Verstappen, Wolff replied, “No, I wouldn’t say that. I always say I don’t flirt outside if I’m happy in the relationship, professionally. I’m super happy with the line-up that we have.”
This statement underscores Wolff’s apparent contentment with the current Mercedes driver pairing of George Russell and the highly-rated rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who is stepping into the shoes of the Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton. Wolff emphasized his belief in their trajectory and the positive dynamic within the team.
Interestingly, Williams team principal James Vowles, who previously served as Mercedes’ head of strategy, echoed a similar sentiment, suggesting there would be “a lot of downsides” to Mercedes signing Verstappen, despite acknowledging the Dutchman’s “extraordinary” talent. Vowles believes that disrupting the burgeoning partnership between Russell and Antonelli might not be the right decision for Mercedes, emphasizing the strong culture and collaborative environment the team currently enjoys with its existing drivers. He pointed out that both drivers are performing close to the car’s potential, with Antonelli showing significant upward momentum.
The rumors surrounding Verstappen’s potential departure from Red Bull have intensified due to the team’s less dominant start to the 2025 season compared to previous years, coupled with unconfirmed reports of exit clauses in his contract. Mercedes has often been cited as a potential alternative destination for the three-time world champion.
However, Wolff’s recent stance indicates a possible shift in focus towards nurturing their current driver lineup and building for the future with Russell and Antonelli at the helm. While the allure of a driver of Verstappen’s caliber is undeniable, Wolff appears to be prioritizing team stability and the development of their existing talent.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has also weighed in on the matter, expressing confidence that Verstappen will remain with the team. He suggested that Mercedes currently possesses a “stable environment” and two drivers working well together, questioning whether disrupting that for even a driver as quick as Verstappen would be the right choice for them.
As the 2025 season progresses, the performance of both Red Bull and Mercedes will be closely watched, as will any further developments in the ever-intriguing driver market. For now, Toto Wolff’s comments suggest that while Max Verstappen’s talent is recognized, a move to Mercedes might not be as straightforward as some might believe, with the team boss publicly backing his current drivers.