Is Max Verstappen Moving To Mercedes F1?
Giancarlo Perlas March 3, 2024The momentum of Max Verstappen carries over to the 2024 Formula One season as he just logged another victory in his career at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Meanwhile, his partner, Sergio Perez, clinched second to immediately elevate Red Bull to the top of the Constructors’ rankings. However, it was very unfortunate that their achievements in the opening race were marred by the scandal their boss, Christian Horner, has gotten himself into as of late. Now, there are rumors that the internal strife in the group may influence Verstappen to reconsider his options, especially a potential move to Mercedes F1.
Mercedes-AMG Petronas started 2024 with a shocking announcement about Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari by 2025. With no instant replacement in sight, the Brackley-based team is currently rife with speculations regarding the possible replacement of the seven-time world champion.
Some think that a straight-up swap with Carlos Sainz Jr. is a no-brainer decision for the three-pointed star marque. Others point to Mick Schumacher as well as big names such as Fernando Alonso, Daniel Ricciardo, and Sebastian Vettel as possible partners for George Russell next year.
With the internal strife going on within the ranks of Red Bull, even Max Verstappen’s name is currently being floated around, too. This was further fueled by the revelation of Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff concerning a recent conversation with Jos Verstappen, the father of the present world champion.
“I have known Jos for 25 years – with ups and downs – and I just congratulated him on his son’s achievements,” Wolff said in an interview. “Max drives in a galaxy all his own.”
However, it should be noted that the Mercedes F1 team principal also acknowledged the fact that Verstappen will likely stick with Red Bull due to its superior cars.
“I think the driver will always choose the quickest car, that is fundamentally what it’s all about at the moment,” he explained. “Red Bull is the quickest car, so that would, in my opinion, always be the priority.”
Reading between the lines, Wolff certainly thinks highly of Verstappen. Without a very competitive car to lure the top driver of the past three years though, the odds may not be in favor of Mercedes F1 regarding this subject.
Of course, this may still change depending on Mercedes F1’s performance and other factors that may directly affect Verstappen’s stance in the near future.
