When news first emerged that Lewis Hamilton would be leaving Mercedes to join Ferrari in 2025, many assumed Max Verstappen would stay loyal to Red Bull until the end of his contract in 2028. However, recent controversies surrounding Red Bull’s team principal, Christian Horner, have raised doubts about Verstappen’s future with the team. Verstappen’s father, Jos, went as far as to claim that Red Bull would be “torn apart” if Horner remained in his position.
Amidst growing speculation about Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko’s involvement in leaking information to the press, it was revealed that Max Verstappen insisted on having a ‘Marko clause’ inserted into his contract. This clause allows Verstappen to terminate his contract early should Marko, who plays a crucial role in his career, depart from the team. This revelation added more fuel to the rumors that Verstappen could potentially replace Hamilton at Mercedes in 2025.
Speaking to Fox Sports Australia, Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff expressed his admiration for Verstappen, referring to him as “extraordinary.” Wolff hinted at the possibility of a future collaboration with the Dutch driver, stating that a relationship with Verstappen “needs to happen at a certain stage.” However, Wolff also made it clear that any decision regarding a vacancy alongside George Russell would be contingent upon Verstappen’s actions.
Mercedes had an opportunity to sign Max Verstappen back in 2014 when he was competing in European Formula 3. However, Wolff was unable to offer him a Formula 1 seat at the time, leading Verstappen to join the Red Bull stable instead. Looking back, Wolff acknowledged Verstappen’s talent, recounting a conversation he had with the driver and his father about potential collaborations. Despite his efforts, Mercedes could not compete with Red Bull’s offer to Verstappen, resulting in him ultimately joining the Red Bull Racing team in 2016.
As discussions about Verstappen’s future continue to swirl, Wolff emphasized that the decision ultimately lies with the Dutch driver. While Verstappen is currently considered the “number one pick” to replace Hamilton at Mercedes, Wolff did not rule out the possibility of other candidates such as Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz, and FIA F2 racer Andrea Kimi Antontelli. The stage is set for a pivotal moment in Verstappen’s career, one that could potentially reshape the landscape of Formula 1.
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