P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff has not given up on his desire to prise Max Verstappen from Red Bull, despite admitting the marque is “not competitive enough”. Wolff is assessing the potential candidates to replace Lewis Hamilton, who descended the driver market into chaos with the choice to agree a move to Ferrari in […]
Toto Wolff is considering potential candidates to replace Lewis Hamilton, who caused chaos in the driver market by moving to Ferrari in 2025.
Wolff has expressed a preference for replacing Hamilton with Max Verstappen, who is currently under contract with Red Bull until 2028.
Verstappen has emphasized his commitment to Red Bull and prioritizes competitiveness over salary, making it challenging for Mercedes to secure his services.
Wolff acknowledges that Mercedes needs to improve its performance to attract a driver of Verstappen’s caliber, pointing to McLaren’s recent resurgence as a benchmark.
If Mercedes fails to sign Verstappen, they may promote their protege Andrea Kimi Antonelli as an alternative option.
Despite Hamilton’s unexpected departure, Wolff respects his decision and believes that Ferrari could provide him with a competitive car to win another world championship.
While Hamilton’s move to Ferrari will make him a direct competitor, Wolff will always cherish the personal and professional relationship he had with the seven-time world champion.
