Max Verstappen, the star Red Bull driver, has dominated the racing circuit since 2021. The Dutchman has been unstoppable, winning three consecutive world championships and aiming for the fourth. Although Lando Norris derailed his Miami GP winning streak, the reigning world champion is still at the top of the points table. Earlier, the rumors of Verstappen meeting Mercedes Delegacy sent shockwaves through the F1 paddock.
Later, both Verstappen and Toto Wolff denied any possible meeting. However, news of a discussion about Verstappen’s Mercedes transfer has re-emerged. Wolff does not rule out the possibility of a dream transfer as he is looking for Lewis Hamilton’s replacement. As the Miami GP is over, it’ll be interesting to see whether Verstappen and CO. will meet the Silver Arrows.
Max Verstappen On Top of Wolff’s Wish List
Earlier in 2024, Lewis Hamilton signed a shocking contract with Ferrari. As Hamilton is set to leave Mercedes during the upcoming season, they need a replacement. Thus, who could be better than the reigning world champion, Max Verstappen? Mercedes team boss, Toto Wolff, is interested in hiring the Dutchman. He keenly observes the internal power tussle at Red Bull and is eager to make a move. Although Verstappen’s Red Bull contract extends till 2028, Mercedes has rolled up their sleeves to poach the star racer. During the Miami GP, reports of Mercedes delegates meeting the three-time world champion, along with his father, Jos Verstappen, and manager Raymond Vermeulen, surfaced. However, Toto Wolff brushed off all the rumors and said no potential meeting was scheduled. Later, Verstappen disregarded all the speculations about him leaving RBR. He feels Red Bull is the perfect place for him, as performance is the only factor that matters. Moreover, he teased his fans by adding, “Life and sports are unpredictable.”
Now that the Miami GP is over, the speculated ‘meeting’ might happen. Toto Wolff has hinted at a discussion with Verstappen to seal the deal. He said the team wants to take time while they monitor Verstappen and other drivers. Moreover, Carlos Sainz’s strong performance has also attracted their attention. Thus, the mystery of Mercedes’ second driver for 2025 persists.
Revving Up Speculation: Who Will Take the Wheel for Mercedes in 2025?
Therefore, the questions loom: who’ll drive for the Silver Arrows? The first name that pops up is the young Italian racing prodigy Kimi Antonelli. He was seen donning the silver outfit, steering the W12 F1 car. However, he is still a rookie, and Mercedes needs experience for the upcoming campaign.
Therefore, their second bet could be the ex-Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas. The driver is currently with Sauber but will be available for the 2025 season. The 34-year-old claimed ten victories during his last tenure with the Brackley-based outfit. Thus, he could be Mercedes’s perfect one-year ‘stop-gap’ driver. However, Toto Wolff has not confirmed any name yet; hence, it remains a mystery.
