Wolff goes all-out for Verstappen: Is signing Max really feasible?

'It is almost a certainty that Verstappen and I will work together,' Toto Wolff revealed in an interview with Fox Sports Australia. This was yet another statement Wolff has made about the Dutchman in a short time. Previously, he stated that everyone in the paddock would do the handstand a hundred times to bring Verstappen in, and he also made it clear that Verstappen is his number one target for 2025.

From a Mercedes perspective, of course, it is understandable. With the departure of Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes lose not only the team's star driver but also their front-runner. George Russell is an esteemed force within the German team but has not yet been able to really grab the lead. Besides, with only one race victory behind his name, Russell is not of the stature that a brand like Mercedes can build on.

Why Wolff has set his sights on Verstappen

A star needs to be brought in to replace Hamilton. Fernando Alonso was in the picture, but with the unrest behind the scenes at Red Bull Racing, Wolff has shifted his attention to Max Verstappen. The Austrian will have smelt that there is an opportunity to bring in Verstappen, the best driver at the moment.

Bringing in Verstappen would allow Wolff to strike a blow on several fronts. First of all, it would be the best motivation for the team. Verstappen is the best driver at the moment and has proven he can lead a team to the top. If the team listens to his feedback, they will get there. By bringing in Verstappen, the Mercedes team boss would also send a clear signal to the Mercedes board: we will not settle for less than the best.

Wolff would additionally deal a hefty blow to the competition, as Red Bull Racing cannot simply replace Verstappen. No matter how good the car is, no one is currently close to Verstappen. Fernando Alonso and Alexander Albon, the names being mentioned now, are good drivers, but not at the level Verstappen is currently at.

Does Verstappen even want to go to Mercedes?

So the ball is in Verstappen's court, but is it a realistic venture? GPblog has learned that no talks have yet taken place between the two parties, but Wolff's statements were appreciated. Wolff would be only too happy to bring in the triple world champion. That warmth is currently missing within Red Bull Racing's team.

Christian Horner has taken a different path there. 'Nobody is bigger than the team,' the Red Bull Racing team boss repeatedly said. The team boss is increasingly gaining control from the Thai shareholder and is not afraid of Verstappen's possible departure. Even without the Dutchman, Red Bull Racing can become world champions in his eyes.

The doubts within Verstappen's camp about the future at Red Bull Racing have been known for some time. Earlier, it became clear that if Horner stays on, there is a good chance Verstappen will leave the successful team. With Horner becoming increasingly locked in with the backing of the Thai shareholder, the Dutchman is being driven somewhat towards the exit. Internally, they point to the contract that runs through 2028, but no one seems to be stopping Verstappen if he wants to leave. Horner said they would not keep anyone in the team against their will.

While Wolff hopes to take advantage of this turmoil by bringing in Verstappen, drivers are actually trying to take advantage of the turmoil to secure a seat at Red Bull Racing. Fernando Alonso is the biggest player in the market. With an expiring contract at Aston Martin, he would be only too happy to switch to Red Bull Racing, which has fuelled rumours that Horner wants him. However, some sources also report that Helmut Marko is behind these rumours.