Wolff’s wish!

The Mercedes team principal  has expressed his admiration for Max Verstappen, suggesting a potential future partnership with the Silver Arrows.

However, Toto Wolff, emphasises that his immediate focus is on rectifying the team’s car issues before considering driver lineups for the 2025 season.

Verstappen’s future at Red Bull has been a topic of speculation, with a contract extending through 2028 seemingly not quelling the rumours.

The recent departure of Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari has opened a vacancy at Mercedes, further fueling speculation of a Verstappen switch.

During the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Wolff addressed the potential impact of Verstappen seeking a new challenge.

While acknowledging the potential benefit for Formula 1, Wolff couldn’t hide his enthusiasm for the possibility of having the reigning champion at Mercedes.

“I’d love to have him,” Wolff admitted, quickly adding, “But first we need to sort out our car. I think we owe it to our drivers, George [Russell] and Lewis, to improve the car and give them equipment that is good before dreaming about the future next year.”

Mercedes’ struggles with their car in recent seasons necessitate a cautious approach to driver selection for 2025.

Wolff highlights their intention to thoroughly assess options throughout the ongoing season.

“I think we are going to wait,” he explained.

“We have a few interesting options, and the more we are able to assess how the season pans out, young drivers with us against slightly older ones – that’s not going to be a decision which we want to take in the next few weeks, it’s rather a few months depending on where it goes.”

While Wolff remained tight-lipped on whether Verstappen tops his list, he did acknowledge the Dutchman’s universal appeal: “Let’s word it like this – I think this is a decision that Max needs to take, and there is no team up and down the grid who wouldn’t do handstands to have him in the car.”

Mercedes, after two challenging years, are determined to regain their former dominance.

Despite struggles in 2022 and 2023, Wolff expresses a renewed confidence in this year’s car development.

“It’s a different confidence that I have in the group this time around,” Wolff said. “It’s just my feeling that we will come [out] on top. Is it good enough to beat Max in a Red Bull? No, it’s not, but at least bringing ourselves back in a position of fighting for podiums and being right there. Yeah, hundred per cent sure we’re going to get there.”

The upcoming season promises an intriguing driver market saga, with Mercedes keeping their options open while focusing on building a car capable of challenging Red Bull’s supremacy. Whether Verstappen will be lured by the Silver Arrows remains to be seen, but Wolff’s admiration for the Dutchman is undeniable.