The drivers’ lineup for the upcoming season is almost fixed. Mercedes recently announced Kimi Antonelli as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement. Although Toto Wolff made several attempts to sign in the Red Bull starlet, it all went in vain. Ultimately, the Austrian chief had to introduce a rookie driver.
However, Wolff’s ‘flirting’ was not one-sided; as reports suggest, the Verstappen clan was in talks with Mercedes delegates. Further, the RBR’s consistent misery might push away the reigning world champion. According to a former F1 boss, Verstappen may have already considered joining forces with Mercedes.
“We All Know Verstappen Wanted To Go To Mercedes,” Guenther Steiner Makes A Shocking Claim
Guenther Steiner shared his belief that Max Verstappen has already considered a move to Mercedes. Steiner noted that Verstappen had previously shown interest in joining Mercedes and that his current dissatisfaction at Red Bull, due to the RB20’s inability to consistently compete for victories as it did in 2023, could be a driving factor.
With the major engine regulation changes set for 2026, Steiner sees this as a prime opportunity for all F1 teams to build competitive cars. He speculated that Verstappen might have a better chance of winning another world title with Mercedes, especially given his access to key information about both Red Bull’s and Mercedes’ engine programs. Steiner suggested that if Toto Wolff tries to lure Verstappen to Mercedes, the Dutch driver would be able to make an informed decision based on facts rather than speculation.
However, Verstappen has already affirmed his future with the Milton Keynes-based team. The triple champion is in no mood to switch sides. Further, the Dutchman explained the factors affecting his future. According to Verstappen, performance is the only aspect that he will consider. Therefore, his future move would be rational rather than emotional. Moreover, if the RBR slump stretches, Mercedes would have a fair chance of luring in the Dutchman. The expertise in powertrain manufacturing gives the Silver Arrows an upper hand.
Toto Wolff Opens Up About Signing Max Verstappen For 2026 And Beyond
Toto Wolff reflected on his interactions with Max Verstappen’s team, expressing admiration for their direct and transparent communication. He clarified that he hasn’t engaged in outside negotiations or entertained talks with other drivers, instead choosing to focus on the current team’s goals. Wolff admitted that Lewis Hamilton’s departure may have taken him by surprise but emphasized that no discussions with other potential drivers have occurred, as the team’s commitment lies in ensuring their current strategy succeeds.
He reaffirmed that the team’s focus remains entirely on George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, with no attention given to future plans beyond the 2024 and 2025 seasons. The priority is on the immediate future, leaving any considerations for 2026 off the table for now.
