Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff reveals that he still maintains a good relationship with Jos Verstappen. The Austrian made several attempts during the 2024 season to lure Max Verstappen to Mercedes, but is nevertheless pleased with George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli as drivers for 2025. However, Wolff does not rule out a future move for Verstappen.
Lewis Hamilton surprised everyone early in the season by announcing his departure to Ferrari. The seven-time world champion has been driving for Mercedes since 2013, but is now making way for new talent in the German team. The racing stable ultimately decided to place rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli in the 2025 seat next to George Russell.
Wolff’s choice of the young Italian means that Mercedes’ line-up for next year is set, but the Austrian does not rule out that there is no room for Max Verstappen in Brackley. “I think it feels natural now to move on to the next generation. Max is a great driver and an interesting personality. God knows what the future holds,” Wolff tells the High Performance podcast.
Although the Austrian has been trying for some time to attract the three-time world champion to his team, he is pleased with the choice of Russell and Antonelli. “But with Kimi and George Russell in the car, true Mercedes juniors from our own ranks, they have fulfilled every step in their career that we have supported. I am very much looking forward to this situation.”
Jos Verstappen
Does Wolff’s choice of Antonelli mean that Verstappen will never drive a Mercedes vehicle? The Austrian still holds out hope that it will happen someday. The team boss gets along well with Verstappen’s father, Jos.
“We get along very well, even if it’s not always visible to the public. I’ve known Jos for a long time. He’s my age. We have the same view on racing,” explains Wolff. “I wouldn’t want the year 2021 (the title fight between Verstappen and Hamilton) to cast a shadow over the personal relationship we have. That year was bad enough, but the relationships are intact.”
