The head of the Mercedes Formula 1 team, Toto Wolff, has openly expressed his preference for Max Verstappen to take over Lewis Hamilton’s post after he joins Ferrari in 2025. Wolff did, however, also say that he is thinking about other applicants for this significant position on the club.
Given the uncertainty surrounding Verstappen’s future with Red Bull, Mercedes is considering employing him. There have been conflicts among the squad and a tense rapport with the management. Despite the fierce competition predicted in 2021, Wolff’s interest in Verstappen was made clear during a chat with the driver’s father in Bahrain. Wolff suggested a potential change of alliances. Wolff said he wanted to collaborate with Verstappen in an Australian interview with Fox Sports, but he wasn’t sure when this would happen. While acknowledging Verstappen’s accomplishments, he did not downplay the potential of other drivers. Wolff underlined the value of the team’s development initiatives and their potential to help George Russell, a fellow Mercedes driver hoping for a championship.
Wolff freely acknowledged that there will be difficulties with the current Mercedes vehicle, especially for a driver as gifted as Verstappen. This demonstrates the team’s commitment to enhancing the car rather than depending just on the abilities of the driver.
It is not anticipated that Hamilton’s successor will be chosen anytime soon. Wolff stated that an extensive assessment procedure will take place all summer long. Mercedes has a broad pool of candidates, ranging from up-and-coming talent to seasoned pros, demonstrating their flexible hiring policy. Despite Russell’s performance, Wolff sticks to his plan, showing that he has faith in Russell’s skills and his established rapport with Mercedes. The choice will be based on a number of variables, such as Verstappen’s future behaviour and the development of fresh talent from Formula 2 like Kimi Antonelli.
In addition, Wolff saw the promise in seasoned drivers such as Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso, which made sure that Hamilton’s replacement was chosen with great care and consideration.
1 thought on “Toto Wolff believes that Max Verstappen might eventually take Lewis Hamilton’s place.”