Mercedes reportedly ends speculation on signing Max Verstappen for 2025

Mercedes has decided to take the final call on their ambitious dream of acquiring Max Verstappen from the coming season onwards.

Mercedes reportedly ends speculation on signing Max Verstappen for 2025

Max Verstappen (via IMAGO) Mercedes logo (via Mercedes)

Lewis Hamilton moved to Ferrari and created a vacancy at Mercedes that is yet to be filled. Toto Wolff has continued to play the waiting game over the final driver decision for the coming season. Multiple drivers have been considered for the role including Max Verstappen and Andrea Kimi Antonelli. However, Brackley has continued to face stern rejection from Verstappen.

Toto Wolff had previously claimed that Max Verstappen‘s move to Mercedes ‘needed to happen’. Additionally, it was revealed that Wolff hadn’t given up on his dreams of acquiring the reigning world champion. However, the Dutchman continued to reject the offers from the German carmaker noting that even $250 Million wouldn’t see him join Mercedes.

As per De Telegraaf, Mercedes has decided to give up on the Verstappen dream for the 2025 season. Additionally, the publication revealed Andrea Kimi Antonelli was highly likely to fill the seat of Lewis Hamilton. Regardless, the Dutch newspaper claimed Wolff might reconsider fighting to acquire the Dutchman in the coming season.

Toto Wolff claims he wouldn’t ‘consider moving’ to Mercedes if he was Max Verstappen

Mercedes’ desperate struggles in the ground-effect era meant multiple drivers wouldn’t consider moving to the team. Toto Wolff believed that Brackley could be a harbor port of destination for the best drivers. However, the team was yet to reach that mark as Wolff accepted that he himself wouldn’t consider moving to Mercedes if he were in Verstappen’s shoes.

I think this is a moment where we can say that we can be a harbour port or destination for the best drivers, including Max, but we’re not there yet, so if I was him I wouldn’t be considering such a move, yet.
Toto Wolff said, as reported by planetf1.com
Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)
Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

Red Bull’s continuous struggles in the 2024 season could mean that Max Verstappen is considering a move. However, the 26-year-old has continued to showcase his loyalty to the Austrian constructor as he isn’t looking to move anytime soon. Mercedes would need to put forth a highly promising prospect to make the Dutchman reconsider his decision.

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