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Max Verstappen to Mercedes talked up by Adrian Newey’s manager with… Read More.
Max Verstappen’s potential move to Mercedes has gained attention, with former F1 team boss Eddie Jordan suggesting that such a switch wouldn’t be surprising given the current situation at Red Bull.
Despite being contracted with Red Bull until 2028, Verstappen’s future has been a topic of speculation, particularly in light of internal issues within the team this season.
Rumors have surfaced that Verstappen might seek an early exit from Red Bull, with Mercedes emerging as a leading contender for his signature.
Although Aston Martin has also shown interest in the Dutch driver, Mercedes’ longstanding desire to sign Verstappen puts them at the forefront of any potential move.
The possibility of Verstappen leaving Red Bull has been fueled by the impending departures of key figures within the team.
Adrian Newey, the legendary engineer, is rumored to be heading to Aston Martin, while Jonathan Wheatley is set to become Audi’s team principal next year.
These exits have led to concerns that Verstappen and his father might be displeased with the direction Red Bull is heading.
Jordan, who manages Newey, emphasized that the changes at Red Bull could make Verstappen consider a switch to Mercedes in the near future.
He stated that he “would be anything but surprised” if Verstappen decided to join Mercedes as early as 2026, especially given Mercedes’ recent resurgence in performance.
Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ team principal, has been open about his interest in signing Verstappen if the opportunity arises.
While Mercedes is expected to promote Kimi Antonelli to replace Lewis Hamilton next year, the team remains keen on securing Verstappen in the future.
Wolff has acknowledged the complexity of convincing Verstappen to join Mercedes, recognizing that multiple factors influence a driver’s decision to switch teams.
He noted that while the performance of the car is crucial, other personal and professional considerations play a significant role in such decisions.
Wolff believes that Verstappen, known for his deep understanding of motorsport, will carefully weigh these factors before making any decisions about his future.
Wolff also suggested that Verstappen’s decision could have a ripple effect across the F1 paddock, potentially influencing the choices of other drivers and teams.
However, he also admitted that if he were in Verstappen’s position, he would likely stay with Red Bull for the 2025 season, given their current dominance.
Nonetheless, Wolff respects Verstappen’s autonomy and understands that the final decision will rest with the driver himself.
while Verstappen remains contracted with Red Bull, the ongoing turmoil within the team and the interest from Mercedes have sparked speculation about his future.
The potential departures of key Red Bull personnel and Mercedes’ interest in Verstappen could pave the way for a move to the Silver Arrows, though it ultimately depends on various factors that Verstappen will consider in due course.
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