Wolff: Verstappen Was Never a Serious Target for Mercedes

However, Wolff has now revealed that within Mercedes, expectations of signing Red Bull’s star driver Verstappen were never particularly high despite the hype and headlines triggered when the Mercedes boss was in full 'bromance mode' to lure the Dutchman to his team.

Mercedes faced a seismic shift at the start of 2024, with Lewis Hamilton announcing his departure for Ferrari after the season. While the team was disappointed, the silver lining came in the form of time to carefully select a replacement.

That replacement was eventually identified as Kimi Antonelli, a teenage prodigy in the making, promoted to a full-time seat alongside George Russell who becomes the Merc team leader this year as the rookie dials himself in.

Verstappen’s future became one of the most talked-about stories of the year. Red Bull’s previously unshakeable dominance began to waver, exacerbated by the departure of key figures like Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley, and a car that no longer seemed untouchable.

The combination of factors led to speculation that Verstappen might consider leaving the team. Mercedes appeared a logical destination for the four-time world champion.

Wolff publicly fuelled the rumours. Reflecting on Verstappen’s prowess last year, Wolff said: “There are so many factors that play a role for a driver joining. And clearly, when you look at it from the most rational point of view, you can say that it is the quickest car in the hands of the quickest driver.

“But I don’t think that this is the only reason you stay where you are. Maybe there is some more depth to some people, that consider other factors too. I think Max has that.”

Verstappen, known for his candour, acknowledged the overtures with a hint of humour: “Lately, Toto has been really nice, saying a lot of nice things about me!”

Despite the flirtation, Mercedes ultimately chose to focus on its own rising star. Alongside George Russell, Antonelli was promoted, while Valtteri Bottas returned to the team as a reserve driver to provide experienced backup.

In a recent interview with Auto, Motor und Sport, Wolff addressed how seriously Mercedes considered Verstappen. “There was never a plan. We always talked and kept the line of communication open. At one point, he said he wanted to stay where he was for the time being because that felt good to him.

"That's when I said we would go for Kimi Antonelli because that felt good to us too. And now we’ll see where we end up," ventured Wolff.

While Mercedes may have stepped back from the Verstappen chase, another team has entered the frame. Reports this week suggest Aston Martin, under the ambitious leadership of Lawrence Stroll, is determined to lure Verstappen. With Adrian Newey and Honda on board and reports of a billion-dollar package, Stroll’s “Super Team” could present a compelling case to the Dutchman.

As speculation continues to swirl, one thing is clear: Verstappen’s future will remain a focal point in the ever-dynamic Formula 1 narrative. If contracts are not broken, Max is set to lead Red Bull until 2028. He will be 31-years-old then.