P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Toto Wolff is not hiding it: Max Verstappen is at the top of Mercedes’ priority list. However, with Andrea Kimi Antonelli also in the mix, the possible consequences for George Russell have not yet been fully appreciated.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff views Max Verstappen as a crucial figure in the F1 driver market due to the potential departure of Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari at the end of this year. Wolff is eyeing Verstappen as a possible replacement to partner George Russell for the 2025 season. Despite the allure of bringing the reigning world champion to Mercedes, it seems improbable that Verstappen will leave Red Bull before the 2026 regulations overhaul. Rumors suggest that Red Bull’s ambition to develop its power unit by 2026 could influence Verstappen’s decision, possibly opening up a pathway to Mercedes. Mercedes junior Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s emergence as a talent to watch adds an intriguing element to the evolving dynamics of Mercedes’ future driver lineup. With Antonelli potentially joining the F1 grid in the near future, the team’s driver decisions could shape the competitive landscape for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
