The director of the Mercedes team, Toto Wolff, has clearly abandoned the Max Verstappen track after having circled the Dutch driver for a long time.
After the first three quarters of an intense season in Formula 1, a break is necessary before the next United States Grand Prix scheduled for October 20. On this occasion, Toto Wolff, director of Mercedes F1, was questioned about the rumors linking his team to Max Verstappen, three-time world champion.
During an interview with MotorsportWolff admitted that Mercedes had stopped considering this possibility.
A flirtation with Verstappen aborted
Since the announcement of the departure of Lewis Hamilton, who will join Ferrari at the end of the season, the Mercedes team has found itself obliged to find a suitable replacement. The name of Max Verstappen has often been mentioned as an option, but Wolff has clarified the situation: the team has chosen not to pursue this avenue.
“We decided to stay behind” he said, adding that loyalty to his current drivers, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, was paramount.
Toto Wolff compares the situation to a romantic relationship, explaining that looking for another driver while the team is performing well would be counterproductive.
“It’s like flirting with someone when you’re already in a serious relationship. It doesn’t work, and I don’t flirt outside,” he says. A strong statement that puts an end to speculation around Mercedes’ interest in Verstappen.
Kimi Antonelli, Hamilton’s successor
Instead of Verstappen, Kimi Antonelli will take over from Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes. This young prodigy, from the Mercedes academy, is seen as a rising star in the world of F1. According to Wolff, Antonelli is ready to measure up to the high expectations placed on him. He will join George Russell, who has already proven his skills against Hamilton over the past three seasons.
“We support George as much as Kimiexpresses Wolff.
Emotionally, we don’t differentiate between them. All great drivers know they have to compete with their teammate, no matter their age or experience. George took on Lewis, the greatest driver of all time, and he will be just as ready to take on Antonelli.”
Mercedes ready for the future
With this decision, Mercedes seems to have turned the page on the Hamilton era and is preparing for a new dynamic. Antonelli’s choice is bold, but it shows the team’s desire to trust its young talents, while maintaining healthy competition within the team.
As for Verstappen, he will continue to dominate with Red Bull, leaving Mercedes to focus on their promising future with their young drivers.
