Max Verstappen is on Mercedes' wish list. Will there actually be a change? © APA/afp / PAUL CROCK

Is Verstappen actually switching to Mercedes?

The rumor mill in Formula 1 is bubbling enormously. The main focus is on the free cockpit at Mercedes. Will Max Verstappen move from Red Bull to the Germans?

March 27, 2024

From: apa/sn

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff confirmed his great interest in Max Verstappen in an interview with Fox Sports Australia in Melbourne. For the Viennese, the three-time world champion is at the forefront as a possible replacement for Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time Formula 1 champion is leaving Mercedes for Ferrari at the end of the year. Verstappen actually still has a Red Bull contract until 2028.

However, the turmoil in the team following accusations from an employee against team boss Christian Horner for alleged misconduct could open up room for an early departure. “We have one place available, the only one in one of the top teams – unless Max decides that he is leaving, then it would be filled immediately with us,” said Wolff unequivocally.

Wolff wanted Verstappen as a teenager

Wolff had tried to sign Verstappen as a teenager, before he signed for Red Bull, but he couldn't immediately offer him a place in a Formula 1 cockpit. Verstappen hasn't ruled out a move to Mercedes in the long term, but in Australia he said he feels comfortable with his "second family" Red Bull and it would be a great story if he could end his F1 career there too.

Wolff named double world champion Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz and Formula 2 rookie Kimi Antonelli as possible other candidates.