Toto Wolff’s Wish List: Verstappen Tops Shortlist for 2025

In a recent interview, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff revealed that Max Verstappen is at the top of the list to replace Lewis Hamilton in 2025, should he become available. With Hamilton’s imminent departure from Ferrari at the end of this season, the German team is looking for a strong replacement to fill the seat left by the seven-time world champion.

Wolff highlighted Verstappen’s performance as impressive and positioned him as first choice for the Mercedes seat. However, he also mentioned other drivers such as Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz and Mercedes-backed rookie Kimi Antonelli as possible candidates.

The relationship between Verstappen and Red Bull has faced turmoil due to problems between his father, Jos, and team principal, Christian Horner. This raises doubts over the young driver’s future with the Austrian team, despite having a contract until 2028.

The story between Verstappen and Mercedes dates back to his teenage years when Wolff tried to sign him before he joined Red Bull. However, at the time, Mercedes could not offer a place in Formula 1 immediately. Wolff admitted he had a good relationship with Jos Verstappen and had met with him in Vienna to discuss future possibilities, but Verstappen already had an offer from Red Bull at that point.

While Verstappen did not rule out a long-term move to Mercedes, he expressed comfort in his “second family” at Red Bull and said it would be a great story to end his Formula 1 career with them.

Meanwhile, Mercedes faces its own challenges after a winless season in 2023 and a double retirement in Australia, its first since 2018. With Hamilton out, the team is determined to find a replacement capable of driving the team back on top. grid.

With Verstappen’s future still uncertain at Red Bull and Mercedes looking for a prominent driver, the scenario for the 2025 season promises to be exciting, with speculation over who will take Hamilton’s place at the German team.