Sports
Wolff Eyes Verstappen for 2026 Mercedes Shake-Up Amid F1 Rule Changes
Toto Wolff hints at strategy to lure Max Verstappen: "Significant shifts expected in 2026"
"There could be an opportunity. However, 2026 stands out as the pivotal year for major changes."
Toto Wolff is of the opinion that Mercedes will not succeed in luring Max Verstappen to their squad until the F1 regulations set to come into effect in 2026 are rolled out.
Mercedes' senior leaders have openly expressed their desire to recruit Verstappen as a successor to Lewis Hamilton.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli is slated to become a part of the team in the upcoming year, as Mercedes waits to decide if they can secure a deal with the current F1 world champion.
Verstappen's agreement extends through 2028, yet it's believed he could part ways with Red Bull should Helmut Marko depart.
Red Bull's minor drop in performance has occurred simultaneously with Mercedes' comeback.
There's a broad consensus that Mercedes might emerge as the dominant force in 2026, given the new regulations that emphasize the importance of a powerful engine.
Nonetheless, Wolff admits that securing Verstappen for the 2025 season appears improbable, considering Red Bull's "exceptionally dominant" vehicle.
"Is there a possibility of Max Verstappen moving to Mercedes in 2025? Absolutely not. There's no justification for it. What would be the purpose?" he shared with Sky Sports.
"The vehicle is exceedingly superior. It's possible it could sweep all competitions. A racer will consistently pursue such a vehicle. This perspective has shifted in the recent weeks and months.
"There might be an opportunity, but the pivotal year for significant changes is projected to be 2026."
"I believe joining our team might be appealing. However, as for Max and the possibility of him breaking his contract, that remains uncertain."
Wolff believes that crafting a fast Mercedes vehicle by 2026 would significantly enhance the likelihood of drawing Verstappen, regardless of potential release clauses in his agreement.
"I'm not sure about the specific form," he continued. "Ultimately, if a driver is unwilling to remain in a place, it's quite challenging to retain them.
"However, my focus isn't on that aspect. I believe that having a fast car is the key to catching the eye of a fast driver. That's our top concern. The shifting of drivers isn't the final chapter in this narrative."
Mercedes considered Carlos Sainz as a strong candidate, with Wolff highlighting him as significantly underappreciated.
Nonetheless, given the discrepancy in timing regarding a decision-making moment – or when Sainz desires it to occur – it appears probable that the Spanish driver will lean towards choosing Alpine, Sauber, or Williams.
"He expressed his interest in choosing Carlos Sainz, citing his belief that Sainz is greatly underappreciated and diligent. However, he mentioned, 'But I believe their timeline might not align with ours since our decision could potentially extend to November.'”
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