Lewis Hamilton‘s bombshell move to Ferrari has opened up a vacancy at Mercedes for 2025. Hence, Toto Wolff is currently looking for a suitable driver to follow in the shoes of the seven-time world champion. Max Verstappen has been thought of as a replacement driver on multiple occasions. With the Dutchman not denying a possibility of such a move.
Toto Wolff had previously mentioned how the 26-year-old joining Mercedes wasn’t out of the question. Hence, Hamilton shared his thoughts on the status quo and talked about Verstappen’s potential entry. The Briton highlighted that his shocking move to Maranello meant that anything could happen in the sport. However, the 39-year-old asserted that he didn’t have any extra information over these rumors.
My move has shown that anything's possible, and it's going to be a really interesting next six months or so. I don't have an extra scoop. Hamilton said, as reported by racingnews365.com.
Additionally, the seven-time world champion mentioned that Max Verstappen was on the list of potential candidates to join Brackley. However, Verstappen currently has a contract with Red Bull till the end of 2028. Hence, Hamilton questioned why the driver would leave his already better-performing team for Mercedes the following season. As a result, the Dutchman likely wouldn’t join Mercedes any time soon.
I know that...I'm sure Max is on the list, but I'm pretty sure he's tied up, and also, I couldn't see why you would leave a car that is that good.
Max Verstappen claims he has no reason to leave Red Bull
Red Bull has facilitated Max Verstappen to win the Drivers’ championship for the past three seasons. Additionally, the Dutch driver is currently in his ‘prime’ while driving with Milton Keynes. The reigning world champion highlighted his intentions to stay with the team. This comes after Max Verstappen’s father Jos Verstappen had a fallout with Horner. It was rumored that the Dutchman could leave Red Bull.
Additionally, Verstappen acknowledged how the team had done so much for him regarding his Formula 1 career. As a result, the three-time world champion is satisfied with driving for the team in F1. However, previously Verstappen had not ruled out the possibility of him joining Mercedes either. Hence, time will tell about the developments within the grid.
I know what this team has done for me in my career, and the intention is to absolutely stay, I really enjoy it and I’m really happy with the team. As long as we perform, there is no reason to leave.
Red Bull has yet again developed another dominant challenger for the drivers. Verstappen led the FP1 session at the Saudi Arabian GP. Hence, the Dutchman could potentially score a perfect season in 2024 if all goes well. The team prepares for the race weekend ahead and potentially scores yet another dominant victory for the same.
More must-reads: